International Day of Climate Action

For immediate release 27 October 2009: Last Friday 23rd October 2009, all eyes were on the Seafront as for the first time Vanuatu joined 181 countries in celebrating the International Day of Climate Action.  Vanuatu’s public event, “Dei Blong Klaemet Jenis – Save moa blong tekem aksen” was a day focused on raising awareness about climate change amongst the community and youth. The day included a police escorted Wan Smolbag bike parade from Fres Wota to the Seafront Stage, with banners and posters asking the question – what can we do to look out for our environment?   There was an exhibition of posters about climate change from Central School, Fres Wota School, Vila North School and Eretap School. Students received prizes of trees for their excellent work, and schools received prize packs of books about climate change. Two students from Central School recited a poem asking governments and leaders everywhere to reduce greenhouse gas emissions so that the earth will not be badly affected by climate change.

Everyone that attended the day signed a banner, signifying Vanuatu’s desire that leaders around the world take action to reduce climate change – this banner will now go to the international climate change negotiations being held in Copenhagen, Europe, in December, with a representative of Live and Learn Environmental Education.

The Honourable Ralph Regenvanu MP also addressed the crowd, giving an insightful talk about what causes climate change, the importance of climate change issues for the Pacific, and also giving advice about what the people of Vanuatu can do to deal with the effects of climate change.

The crowd was also entertained by the gospel singing group The Commissioners. Everyone attending the day learnt that climate change is an issue facing Vanuatu right now – especially with regard to sea level rise, saltwater intrusion into fresh water and gardens and erosion.

But also the message was that if we think about what changes are happening, we can lessen the impacts of climate change through making plans for adaptation. This inaugural celebration was coordinated by a number of NGOs and community groups: Live and Learn Environmental Education, Wan Smolbag, Save the Children, World Vision, Shefa Council and the Presbyterian youth.

The organising committee would also like to thank all those who sponsored the event in some way - VIT, Motortraders, Port Vila Municipal Council, Daily Post, Independent, Vanuatu Times, 107, Radio Vanuatu, the Environment Unit and the Department of Forestry.