A survey shows people living in the Pacific Islands want action on climate change not more research and debate.
Catholic charity Caritas said people in the Pacific Islands were already feeling the effects of global warming. Photo: RNZ
The survey was conducted by the Catholic charity Caritas, which interviewed people already being affected by global warming.
The 2014 United Nations Climate Summit begins in New York on Monday.
Caritas director Julianne Hickey said her organisation's yet-to-be released report showed Pasifika people thought the money going to high level negotiations could be better spent.
"They're tired of people coming and doing research and doing big scientific studies. They actually want to see action now. For example, the UN climate action talks in New York. They want to be able to have their voice heard and they also want the money that's being spent to come down to a grassroots level."
Caritas said people in the Pacific Islands were already feeling the effects of global warming, which include less predictable weather, sea level rise and the degradation of coral reefs from ocean acidification.
The charity said Pasifika people wanted their voices taken more seriously in high level climate talks.