Pacific Island Nations Archives

The Pacific Climate Warriors; Youth Activists on Rising Seas, Hope, and Organizing

Aparna Packer2025-05-24T21:45:41-04:00Country: Samoa, Marshall Islands, Fiji, Pacific Island Nations|

Young people across the Pacific Island nations are rising up to protect their lands, culture, and way of life. Despite contributing less than 0.03% of global greenhouse gas emissions, these nations face high vulnerability to climate change, particularly rising sea levels, climate-caused displacement, and compromised ocean economies. The Pacific Climate Warriors, a grassroots collective, uses youth-led activism to highlight Pacific climate impacts and resilience, proclaiming “we’re not drowning, we’re fighting.” Okalani Mariner, a 20-year-old Samoan activist, notes that “The ocean is our livelihood, so climate change feels magnified here.” Sera Saini, a 20-year-old from Fiji, highlights efforts like planting mangroves and improving infrastructure but acknowledges the lack of resources to tackle the challenges fully. For 22-year-old Jobod Silk from the Marshall Islands, activism is non-negotiable as his low-lying coral atoll homeland is extremely vulnerable. 24-year-old Brianna Fruean from Samoa emphasizes, “We’re not victims, we’re champions, and our leaders are some of the most outspoken climate leaders in the world. Indigenous knowledge is climate science.” Teen Vogue celebrates Pacific Islander cultures, achievements, and activism through their ‘Heart of the Pacific’ series.

Gender Equity and Social Inclusion for Climate Resilient Development

This educational animated video, produced by the United Nations and the Australia Pacific Climate Partnership, explains how combating climate change must be a socially equitable process. While climate collapse will affect everyone in the Pacific community, women and historically underserved people will feel it most profoundly. The Pacific Island nations experience a high level of climate vulnerability making the focus on resilient communities essential. For example, disaster resilience in rural Pacific areas means being proactive and ensuring that everyone has the autonomy to be able to produce and store excess food crops. Further, when all farmers, including women and minorities, have access to loans, equipment and climate information, they will be more productive and adaptive. Taking into consideration disability, age, gender and other factors of vulnerability in the design phase and decision phase is critical. The video emphasizes that “helping communities become less vulnerable to climate change means listening to everyone, designing for multiple purposes, budgeting for inclusion, and empowering local solutions.” These steps reinforce the foundation that communities are safer and more resilient when all members of the community are invested, consulted and involved in change and adaptation processes.