The onslaught of climate change in the Pacific Islands that look like tiny spots from space, is a big wake-up call for the youth of these nations. Young Pacific Islanders are taking a proactive stance by raising their voices on this issue.
This year, several Pacific Islanders have joined young film makers from around the world in filming and documenting their stories in the Action4Climate competition – an international video competition organized by Connect4Climate with a total 230 entries from 70 countries.
Five entries have been shortlisted from the Pacific Islands. You can read more about these entries and view the films through the links below.
‘Tinau’ (My Mother) by Victoria Burns from Kiribati.
In the film, Victoria desperately tries to get a strong opinion from her mum about the impacts of climate change on the tiny atoll of Tarawa where she was originally from.
“Some scientists predict that my mother's home island of Kiribatiwill be one of the first countries to disappear due to rising sea levels. Due to its relative seclusion, it would be so easy for people to think “who cares?” It was this anticipated apathy that motivated me to draw an audience to the issue, and gave me the idea for my Action4Climate submission.”
She believes that until the issue resonates with more people than the concerned minority, it is important to raise awareness amongst the wider public.
“With the planet's collective future is at stake, it is imperative to act before it’s too late for future generations,” says Victoria.
‘Children are our Future’ by Jamboree Fretton, Soane Ah Ken, Sa Foealii, Louise Boznazku, Patrick Teo from Loto Taumafai
The students from the special needs school in Samoa wanted to communicate the impact that climate change is having on our environment and the need for everyone to take action now.. People in Samoa are experiencing more adverse and frequent weather disturbance such as cyclones.
The lyrics “We are the world…We are the children” speak volumes about all the issues affecting our world and climate change is a priority on the list. The recent Small Island Developing States conference in Samoa discussed how the world can tackle grave issues. As the lyrics of the song point out, “the children of today are the future generations” and they will face the consequences, so people all over the world need to start acting now. Children are pleading for the world to take notice and act to counter the effects of climate change, especially as it already affects those who live in the smaller, more vulnerable Pacific Islands.
‘We Talk Too Much but You Got to Listen’ by Mariah Nasak, Melissa Bule, Chelsea Vuke, Royline Jacob and Felicity Abbil in Vanuatu
This film depicts the role of both genders in managing and dealing with the impacts of climate change. Both the Vanuatu and Samoa films were initially produced in a Pacific Media Assistance Scheme training of high school students studying climate change science and media communications.
‘Climate Perth 2100’ by Geo New Media in Australia
The film confronts the issues of our changing climate in one of the world’s most pristine coral reefs.
“We wanted to share the work of scientists such as Professor Malcolm McCulloch and how they go about understanding our oceans, coral reefs and the record of human-produced carbon dioxide locked in coral cores,” said one of the producers.
This film visualises what we will most likely lose in years to come as coral reefs struggle to survive extreme weather events, acidification and other impacts associated with climate change. It is important for us to act and influence governments, decision makers and industry for more efficient, clean andsustainable solutions.
‘Force of Habits’ by Lu Davidson, Charlotte Hayes and Rebeka Whale
The New Zealand film shows the daily habits people can change, in order to save the planet
This year, several Pacific Islanders have joined young film makers from around the world in filming and documenting their stories in the Action4Climate competition – an international video competition organized by Connect4Climate with a total 230 entries from 70 countries.
Five entries have been shortlisted from the Pacific Islands. You can read more about these entries and view the films through the links below.
‘Tinau’ (My Mother) by Victoria Burns from Kiribati.
In the film, Victoria desperately tries to get a strong opinion from her mum about the impacts of climate change on the tiny atoll of Tarawa where she was originally from.
“Some scientists predict that my mother's home island of Kiribatiwill be one of the first countries to disappear due to rising sea levels. Due to its relative seclusion, it would be so easy for people to think “who cares?” It was this anticipated apathy that motivated me to draw an audience to the issue, and gave me the idea for my Action4Climate submission.”
She believes that until the issue resonates with more people than the concerned minority, it is important to raise awareness amongst the wider public.
“With the planet's collective future is at stake, it is imperative to act before it’s too late for future generations,” says Victoria.
Watch ‘Tinau’
‘Children are our Future’ by Jamboree Fretton, Soane Ah Ken, Sa Foealii, Louise Boznazku, Patrick Teo from Loto Taumafai
The students from the special needs school in Samoa wanted to communicate the impact that climate change is having on our environment and the need for everyone to take action now.. People in Samoa are experiencing more adverse and frequent weather disturbance such as cyclones.
The lyrics “We are the world…We are the children” speak volumes about all the issues affecting our world and climate change is a priority on the list. The recent Small Island Developing States conference in Samoa discussed how the world can tackle grave issues. As the lyrics of the song point out, “the children of today are the future generations” and they will face the consequences, so people all over the world need to start acting now. Children are pleading for the world to take notice and act to counter the effects of climate change, especially as it already affects those who live in the smaller, more vulnerable Pacific Islands.
Watch ‘Children are Our Future’
‘We Talk Too Much but You Got to Listen’ by Mariah Nasak, Melissa Bule, Chelsea Vuke, Royline Jacob and Felicity Abbil in Vanuatu
This film depicts the role of both genders in managing and dealing with the impacts of climate change. Both the Vanuatu and Samoa films were initially produced in a Pacific Media Assistance Scheme training of high school students studying climate change science and media communications.
Watch ‘We Talk Too Much but You Got to Listen’
‘Climate Perth 2100’ by Geo New Media in Australia
The film confronts the issues of our changing climate in one of the world’s most pristine coral reefs.
“We wanted to share the work of scientists such as Professor Malcolm McCulloch and how they go about understanding our oceans, coral reefs and the record of human-produced carbon dioxide locked in coral cores,” said one of the producers.
This film visualises what we will most likely lose in years to come as coral reefs struggle to survive extreme weather events, acidification and other impacts associated with climate change. It is important for us to act and influence governments, decision makers and industry for more efficient, clean andsustainable solutions.
Watch ‘Climate Perth 2100’
‘Force of Habits’ by Lu Davidson, Charlotte Hayes and Rebeka Whale
The New Zealand film shows the daily habits people can change, in order to save the planet
Watch ‘Force of Habits’
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