Help the Kyoto Protocol
The majority of global greenhouse gas emissions come from industrial countries. Unfortunately, the impacts of climate change are not confined to those countries who are responsible for their cause.
Call upon industrialised countries' governments to take action against climate change. For example, Australia and the United States should be lobbied to sign the Kyoto Protocol, which sets targets for countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Protect Traditional Customs
Ensure that traditional customs are not lost. Listen to elders, and record and use traditional methods therefore passing them onto future generations
When planting gardens, do not just use exotic species, but plant more traditional plants - many of these are important for ceremonial or medicinal purposes.
Be Health-wise: Discourage Spread of Disease
Flooding and the subsequent disruption to the water supply, contamination and rises in air and water temperatures have a direct impact on our health.
The risk of climate related disease is reduced at household and community level by following simple steps:
- Keep yards tidy, clearing up cans, bottles and other water catchment areas where mosquitos can breed
- Boil your drinking water in times of heavy rainfall or flooding
- Eat a balanced, healthy diet, which is more resilient to sickness
Help Conserve Energy
- Use lights, fans and air conditioning efficiently - always turn them off when you leave the room
- Ensure fridge door and washing machine seals are clean and the door closes properly
- Look for an energy rating label when buying new appliances
- Turn TVs, VCRs and stereos off at the power point as these appliances can generate emissions when in 'standby' mode.
- Use efficient cooking methods such as putting lids on pots, simmering gently instead od boiling vigorously.
- Pick up litter, and reuse. Recycling a shopping baf bag full of such containers can saves at least five kilograms of greenhouse gas and reduces litter.
Freshwater Storage: Store with Care!
In order to protect ourselves against times of drought, we need to increase our water storage and use our existing supplies with care.
- Mend leaky water pipes
- Turn off taps when not in use and keeping gutters clean and clear
- Water gardens in the morning or at night, rather than the middle of the day when the day is warmest and most of the water will evaporate
- Recycle water - grey water used for washing can be reused in gardens
Protect Coastal and Marine Resources
- Protect coral reefs as they provide buffers from storm surge
- Reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers as they run off into lagoons and harm the reef
- Plant more coastal trees like coconut trees
- Do not build too close to the coastline; leave a 'buffer' zone
- Protect mangroves and get involved in mangrove replanting projects
Agricultural Changes
Many Pacific Islanders rely on subsistence farming for food and cash crop production for export. Practically all crop agriculture is concentrated along the coast, making it vulnerable to influences of the climate.
- Improve water-management and conservation methods such as using grey water to water crops
- Use new farming techniques such as irrigation systems and different planting schedules to take advantage of the changing climate
- Use more of the natural fertilizers like green mulch, and stop the spread of chemicals which pollute the surrounding environment
Protect Forests
Forests are natural regulators of the amount of carbondioxide in the Earth's atmosphere. Forests act as sinks, trees absorb carbondioxide from the air and store it. Don't let them get cut down!
Replant natural forests. Plant a tree - a local species - and not an introduced one.
Lobby your traditional leaders, local governments and authorities for support for the conservation and land management of forests
Protect The Pacific's Ecosystems
The effects of climate change will be felt on the unique biodiversity of the pacific.
Promote the establishment of forest, marine and coastal reserves which help preserve endangered plants, birds and animals.
