Nauru calls for rethink on rising oceans
The republic of Nauru has reacted
with alarm over new reports suggesting that the west Antarctic ice
sheet is melting faster than initially
thought.
The reports indicate that global sea
levels will rise by an additional four feet in the next few
centuries, condemning homelands and other low-lying nations similar
to Nauru.
Nauru Ambassador to the nations
Marlene Moses said that "woefully little has been done" to address
this "potentially catastrophic threat that is in all likelihood
irreversible."
"As the danger to our countries has
intensified, we must defend our status as being uniquely
vulnerable."
"Small
Island Developing Nations (SIDS), like Nauru, often live closer to
the ramification of decisions made globally
than others and so we can see more clearly the path international
inaction is setting us on."
It can be discouraging for SIDS as
they have limited influence in determining how to respond to these
international shocks and crises.
Ms Moses has emphasized how critical
it is for the entire world to work together as the decisions which
affect SIDS first will eventually affect all
nations.
"We need goals that make sense and
address the needs of all nations. We all rely on healthy oceans -
literally for the air we breathe."
"For Nauru and other SIDS there is
no sustainable development without healthy, productive and
resilient oceans