Minister Wayne Ghemu calls for stronger global action, finance and support to address sea-level rise and protect Pacific communities.

Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology  Wayne Ghemu has called for stronger international action to address the growing threats posed by sea-level rise.

Speaking at the High-Level Meeting on Addressing the Existential Threats Posed by Sea-Level Rise in New York, Minister Ghemu said rising seas are contributing to coastal flooding, shoreline erosion and saltwater intrusion.

He said it has placed increasing pressure on freshwater supplies, fisheries, food security, infrastructure and livelihoods.

The Minister highlighted the experience of Walande in South Malaita where years of coastal erosion, rising tides and extreme weather forced the community to relocate to the mainland.

“When a community moves, we must move more than houses. We must protect livelihoods, culture, identity, customary connections and dignity,” Minister Ghemu said.

He stressed that Solomon Islands is doing its part, including through its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The Minister said efforts are geared to protect forests, mangroves and other ecosystems while strengthening community resilience.

However, he said the scale of the challenge requires collective international action.

“I urge greater adaptation and resilience finance that reaches frontline communities, stronger support for climate mobility, respect for international legal obligations and continued efforts to keep the 1.5°C goal within reach,” he said.

The Minister also affirmed the Pacific’s position that maritime zones and associated rights must remain stable despite sea-level rise and that the continuity of Pacific states and peoples must be protected.

“For our people, this is not simply about surviving climate change. It is about preserving the right to remain, the right to adapt and where necessary, the right to move with dignity, while protecting our identity, our sovereignty and our future,” he said.

SOURCE// OPMC PRESS RELEASE