Young Climate Leaders Talanoa
Jione Havea has connected Uniting Churches over the last few weeks with six young climate leaders in talanoa around possibilities for climate solidarity.
Jione Havea has connected Uniting Churches over the last few weeks with six young climate leaders in talanoa around possibilities for climate solidarity. The young leaders came as fellows of the Edmund Rice Centre and the Pacific Calling Partnership to talk about the climate action urgently needed for their communities in Tuvalu and Kiribati.
The group of young leaders worshipped with Glenbrook and Blacktown Uniting congregations, and recently were at Auburn at an event attended by the Moderator, Rev. Mata Havea Hiliau.
The talanoa events heard stories of resilience in the face of the intense impacts of our changing climate on their traditional homelands and ways of life. This will help us stand in solidarity with our Pacific neighbours as we contemplate how best to respond to the climate crisis together.
“I was so moved to hear the reality of climate on these areas of Tuvalu and Kiribati,” said the Moderator of the Auburn Uniting Church event she attended on 9 November. “These areas have been devastated by rising waters and are exposed to weather conditions that are already threatening living conditions and the economy. I am travelling to COP29 with a better understanding of the problems and these stories will be front of mind at the conference.”
Who are the young leaders?
Aselu Vaguna: A draughtsman with the Tuvalu Lands and Survey Department, Aselu is responsible for producing detailed maps and technical drawings, supporting surveying work, and utilizing GIS software for land use and environmental planning projects, all while ensuring alignment with government priorities. Within the 350 Tuvalu Climate Warriors, he actively supports the leadership in organizing climate advocacy efforts, community engagement activities, and collaborations with local and international partners.
Gitty Yee: As the Communications Officer for Tuvalu Climate Action Network (TuCAN), Gitty is deeply committed to amplifying the voices of Tuvalu’s communities in the global fight against climate change. Combining her passion for storytelling and photography skills, she captures and shares powerful images documenting the resilience of Tuvaluans, showcases grassroots initiatives, and communicates the urgency of the climate crisis in Tuvalu to ensure that TuCAN’s message is seen, heard, and felt around the world.
Marian Fuasoumono: Mrs Marion Fuasou Mono is a dedicated Climate Change Project Officer with the Fusi Alofa Association, committed to advocating for the rights and needs of persons with disabilities in Tuvalu. She is experienced in developing and implementing climate resilience projects tailored to the unique challenges faced by the disabled community in a small island nation.
Miriam Moriati: Growing up in Kiribati, Miriam Moriati experienced firsthand the devastating impacts of climate change, which has motivated her to engage with various climate-related initiatives. At just 21 years old, she is the current President of the Rotaract Youth of Kiribati, a youth club under Rotary International that empowers young people and teaches them about environmental service.Miriam has led the Rotaract Youth Club in projects such as video reporting on climate change, mangrove planting, and beach clean-ups. She believes that Kiribati’s youth have great potential but often lack the training and knowledge they need.
Rabwena Ieete: Rabwena is 23 years old and hails from Kiritimati (Christmas Island) in Kiribati. He is a passionate member of the Kiribati Rotaract Club. Through this platform, Rabwena and his fellow Rotaract members educate their local communities about the impacts of climate change. Rabwena uses social media to reach out to different community members and educate them about climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. Through his role, he creates short videos about climate change impacts to share with the world the devastation that climate change causes within his local community.
Robert David Karoo: Robert David Karoro is the National Coordinator for the Kiribati Climate Action Network, where he oversees the implementation of climate change adaptation and resilience projects in Kiribati. A passionate Banaban, he is dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability and improving his community’s resilience against climate change’s impacts. Robert is a member of the Establishment Committee for the Pacific Academy of Science, representing Micronesia. He has also assisted the Office of the President with the Kiribati Integrated Vulnerability Assessment project by conducting community consultations in vulnerable areas. Robert also serves as a teaching assistant at the University of the South Pacific, focusing on marine science and geography. change impacts to share with the world the devastation that climate change causes within his local community.
Jione Havea testified that “as fellows of the Edmund Rice Centre, the young leaders have gained confidence in speaking up for their cause. We need more talanoa with people like these young leaders, and be open to opportunities for sincere solidarity.”
What is the Pacific Calling Partnership (PCP)?
The Pacific Calling Partnership is part of the Edmund Rice Centre. It was founded in May 2006 to recognise the negative impacts climate change was having on the peoples of Kiribati, Tuvalu and the islands of the Torres Strait.
PCP is committed to listening to what islanders say about imminent threats to their way of life and helping to promote this important message in Australia and internationally.
The Pacific Calling Partnership exists in response to Pacific Islander calls for solidarity in the face of climate change.
Science tells us that atolls such as Kiribati and Tuvalu will become uninhabitable within the next 30 years due to the impacts of climate change.
PCP’s purpose is to help empower Pacific Islander individuals and communities to advocate for climate action and climate justice, as well as create and facilitate opportunities to enhance their voice within Australia and internationally.
They raise awareness in Australia of how climate change is affecting Pacific islands through talks and workshops.
For More Information and Resources
As part of our commitment as a Church to stewardship of the earth through Future Directions , the Climate Action mission team is advocating in this space and providing rescouces for the Church.