Not enough help for Pacific climate effects

Wellington: In recent years much of New Zealand’s aid has gone into building solar energy plants around the Pacific to help cut the costs of diesel and reduce greenhouse gases. Oxfam New Zealand is appealing for a rethink ahead of this week’s Pacific Islands Forum summit in Pohnpei.

Its executive director, Rachael Le Mesurier, said Pacific countries are grateful for the solar power but she says not enough has been done to help communities adjust to the fact that climate change is affecting them right now.

“So sea level rises, the increased cyclone force actually, so it is about adaptation. It’s about the ability to be able to help the Pacific populations and communities to form their own responses to adapt to climate change, which is here right now.” RNZI