Global Issues
Help Vulnerable Communities Fight Climate Change
Many communities in the Pacific are vulnerable to climate change. Credit: Photo: Neil Nuia/Caritas
9.2 million people have been affected by extreme events in the Pacific over the past 50 years.
$4.2 billion worth of damages in the Pacific, mainly due to tropical cyclones.
Facts
By 2030, global warming is projected to rise, with temperatures increasing in the Pacific by 0.7°C.
Tropical cyclones have become more intense due to changing climate conditions.
By 2030, sea levels are estimated to increase by about 0.09 to 0.18 metres forcing low-lying communities to migrate.
Over the past 50 years, there have been approximately 10,000 reported deaths in the Pacific from extreme events.
The Solomon Islands are often hit by tropical cyclones, worsened by climate change. Credit: Photo: Neil Nuia/Caritas Australia
Rising sea levels. Extreme Temperatures. Destructive cyclones.
Because of climate change, communities in the Pacific, including marginalised and vulnerable groups such as women, people living with disability, children, gender non-binary people, and the elderly, are at risk.
Many of the communities we work with in the Pacific depend on environmental regularity for food and water security. A changing climate poses one of the greatest threats to their lives - and risks driving them further into poverty.
We are working alongside our local partners in the Pacific to support communities particularly those vulnerable to the impacts of a changing environment.
Shaniella's Story
After leaving school, Shaniella from the Solomon Islands moved closer to its capital city, Honiara, to study hospitality and tourism. However, her vocational training school was hit by a landslide and cyclone in quick succession, destroying its water supply system and the vegetable garden it relies on for food.
"I was in school that time when the landslide occurred. I was devastated because I had no knowledge of what to do and where to get information. I saw students in the school panic, I could hear people's screaming, crying and shouting, as if the world is going to end."
- Shaniella
Shaniella is learning disaster risk reduction to prepare her community for natural disasters. Photo: Neil Nuia/Caritas Australia
Your support today can help fund programs like these to mitigate the disastrous side effects of our changing environment and support vulnerable communities like Shaniella's to become resilient to climate change.
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