03-03-2008, 08:25 PM
4/03/2008 4:44:19 p.m.
Tonga is sinking by an estimated 8 mm annually according to environmental studies on the impact of climate change.
This does not sound like much but if we fast track ahead by 100 years, this equates to just under a metre. Now, if the climate situation worsens then the 8mm could double or triple if the situation deteriorates. When we project forward, we can see the seriousness of the situation.
Right now, climate change is an issue being considered but it still ranks behind other more urgent short-term priorities for the nation such as health, education and so forth. Climate change has not commanded the respect it needs on public policy forums. But, it has had the most devastating effect on our daily lives with the massive rain storms and frequent cyclones passing through the Pacific.
Tonga must look at the climate change issue now and make as much noise in the international community about the harmful effects it will have on Tonga and neighbouring Island states. Already, we have Islands like PNG’s Duke of York Islanders moving to the mainland while Tuvalu is considering the possibility of asking Australia for relocation assistance. Others like Tokelau are fighting a losing battle just to maintain its land area above sea level.
The situation is critical but not entirely out of control.
If we are to reduce the harmful effects of climate change, then we must lobby hard and push our major trading partners to cut emission levels of developed nations.
In Tonga, most of the low-lying areas around Sopu and Nuku’alofa get flooded everytime there is a rain storm. The wave breakers are non-existent so waves are able to pound away at will around the low-lying beaches.
Tonga’s Strategic Development Plan 8 identifies climate change as one of its key goals but it does not seem like much attention is paid to it.
We have huge competing interests on our small budget so the Government’s efforts are limited. However, if NGO’s and community groups join in the fight against climate change then this will ease the burden on Government as well as providing a bigger front on the world stage.
View full story: http://www.tongareview.com/Article.aspx?Mode=1&ID=5392
Tonga is sinking by an estimated 8 mm annually according to environmental studies on the impact of climate change.
This does not sound like much but if we fast track ahead by 100 years, this equates to just under a metre. Now, if the climate situation worsens then the 8mm could double or triple if the situation deteriorates. When we project forward, we can see the seriousness of the situation.
Right now, climate change is an issue being considered but it still ranks behind other more urgent short-term priorities for the nation such as health, education and so forth. Climate change has not commanded the respect it needs on public policy forums. But, it has had the most devastating effect on our daily lives with the massive rain storms and frequent cyclones passing through the Pacific.
Tonga must look at the climate change issue now and make as much noise in the international community about the harmful effects it will have on Tonga and neighbouring Island states. Already, we have Islands like PNG’s Duke of York Islanders moving to the mainland while Tuvalu is considering the possibility of asking Australia for relocation assistance. Others like Tokelau are fighting a losing battle just to maintain its land area above sea level.
The situation is critical but not entirely out of control.
If we are to reduce the harmful effects of climate change, then we must lobby hard and push our major trading partners to cut emission levels of developed nations.
In Tonga, most of the low-lying areas around Sopu and Nuku’alofa get flooded everytime there is a rain storm. The wave breakers are non-existent so waves are able to pound away at will around the low-lying beaches.
Tonga’s Strategic Development Plan 8 identifies climate change as one of its key goals but it does not seem like much attention is paid to it.
We have huge competing interests on our small budget so the Government’s efforts are limited. However, if NGO’s and community groups join in the fight against climate change then this will ease the burden on Government as well as providing a bigger front on the world stage.
View full story: http://www.tongareview.com/Article.aspx?Mode=1&ID=5392