TRANSCRIPT
Living on the edge, eking out an existence are climate displaced people in the Solomon Islands capital who have come from the remote Ontong Java atolls.
The next generation …
(Sound effect: KIDS YELLING)
..with a cheery “good morning”, in the face of an uncertain future.
Fifty-two-year-old Leslie - known locally as “Tarzan” - is an elder of what’s called the Lord Howe settlement in Honiara, at the mouth of the city’s Mantaniko River.
“Because of climate change we have a big problem on the islands, all of the islands/Some of them already are gone.”
Of the few thousand that live on the Ontong Java atolls, many hundreds have relocated to the informal settlement.
For decades they have held onto this block of land in central Honiara, where existence is a daily struggle.
But recent floods and cyclones mean this land too is under threat.
Natural disasters have brought death and destruction.
Lending hope, Tarzan is the successful construction company owner and is using the forces of nature to stop the flooding and erosion.
“But for me, when there’s big waves, bad weathers, it’s good, that’s when this place has been built, we always gain with the incoming sand.”
Reclaiming land using concrete blocks on the foreshore and the forces of nature, an example of what could be done but …
“This is almost about 10 years already and by calculus, all the tonnage, there’s a big, huge cost involved.”
Few communities are so fortunate.
Solomon Islands is a frontline, climate vulnerable country, where Oxfam in the Pacific is based and Shabella Rathamana leads climate programs.
“When the extreme weather events like cyclones and floods, this natural events occur there’s a lot of mass destruction already happening.”
During the interview she is overwhelmed with emotion talking of her home community in Solomons.
“It’s not their fault, when those experiencing the luxurious life and all that are causing these impacts, that’s what’s making me pretty much emotional.))
COP28 kicked off in Dubai with the launch of the long negotiated “loss and damage” fund.
The original idea? Mandatory payments by wealthy and polluting nations for relocation or adaptation for people in least developed countries that contribute little to, but bear the brunt of climate change.
Hundreds of millions has been pledged by some countries. But it’s estimated $400 billion per year is needed to meet the need.
Solomon Islands is a key advocate.
Acting director for climate change at the ministry of environment and longtime COP delegate Henry Tufah ((too-FAR)) is glad it’s happening but has concerns.
“ I really hope parties agree and COP 28 will be one of those successful COPS.”
Leading industrial and fossil fuel economies have intervened over who pays and how much, who controls, and ultimately who gets the money. It’s all still up for discussion.
Australia is a lead negotiator and says it has been lobbying in the Pacific’s internet.
Minister for climate change and energy Chris Bowen laid out Australia’s position ahead of flying to Dubai.
“The 2015 Paris Agreement recognised that a countries’ capability and emissions evolve over time. It makes clear that our respective responsibilities should be seen in the light of these different national circumstances. It’s time to have that discussion in a serious way.”
Australia’s role is part of a bigger climate paradox that challenges its Pacific neighbours, and campaigners like Oxfam’s Shabella Rathamana.
“It is daunting. Noting Australia has given a lot of exploration licences to the big coal companies to explore, so we feel that’s really disappointing.”
This week, island eyes are on Dubai as much as on encroaching shorelines.
COP delegate from Solomon Island government Henry Tufah is acutely aware the climate clock is ticking
“Yes, it’s a questions of time, other countries have time on their hand, for the small islands countries, we don’t have time.”
