Page 5 - IB November 2024

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

CHANGE THE TACTICS

Publisher & Editor
Once again, world leaders have gathered at the Conference of Parties of Netani Rika
the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to discuss what has been
described as the greatest existential threat to the planet since the Ice Age. General Manager
Science shows that since the Industrial Revolution with the increased use Samantha Magick
of mechanisation and fuel, the atmosphere and the sea have gradually grown Sales, Marketing & Subscriptions
warmer. Waisale Rokotuiveikau
The situation has been exacerbated by the human demand for instant
gratification in the area of food, travel, comfort and affordability. This has led Reporters
to production of material which is made from or packaged in plastic. Aisha Azeemah
Food which was once seasonal is now available the year round, induced by Prerna Priyanka
chemicals to fruit, bear, and ripen at the whim of the consumer.
This too has driven climate change, caused erosion and rubbish, the death of
innocent wildlife and over-extraction of human resources.
Pacific leaders are not wrong to stand at COP to demand greater Designer
responsibility and accountability from their counterparts around the globe. Dick Lee
Baron Waqa, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
told leaders gathered in Baku, Azerbaijan, that rising sea levels in the Pacific Contributors
endangered lives, cultures and traditions. Gordon Feller
He claimed that the region needed substantial and timely climate finance to Alipate Pareti
protect its small island developing states. And he warned that the 1.5-degree Nic Maclellan
goal in the Paris Agreement represents a critical threshold in our fight for Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti
survival. Rowena Singh
However, that does not absolve the Pacific from playing a role in reducing
fossil fuel dependence. Being the smallest contributor to climate change is not
a symbol of pride if we do not contribute to reducing carbon emissions.
Pacific leaders while living at the forefront of the climate change battle must IsIslands Business is published monthly by
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be examples of how to combat the threat.
Editorial & Advertising Offices
Higher taxes on plastics, policies which force the harnessing or solar and wind GPO Box 12718, Suva, Fiji Islands
power, responsible agriculture, reduction in extractive industry, and proper Tel: +679 9719660
waste management are simple places where island nations can start the fight
without using foreign funds. Emails
Editorial: editor@islandsbusiness.com
Pacific schools much include in their lessons the wisdom of the elders on
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organic farming and non-synthetic fertilisers. Advertising: marketing@islandsbusiness.com
A chemical-free Pacific agriculture sector is not impossible if there is political
will.
This journey will not be without difficulties, but Pacific leaders must make Printing:
tough decisions for the benefit of their people. Printhouse Pacific Pte Limited, Suva, Fiji Islands
To use Waqa’s words, “We save the Pacific, we save the world’’.
Every Pacific Islander has a role to play in saving the region and the planet.
That role must start now.
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