The President of Kiribati has made a strong call for the completion of the Paris Agreement work programme at the COP24 climate meeting in Poland.
The Kiribati capital and most populated area, South Tarawa, consists of several islets, connected by a series of causeways. Photo: Supplied
President Taneti Maamau said countries must not back down from earlier national targets but raise these even higher by changing mindsets and behaviours to evoke strong political will by leaders.
President Maamau said industrialised nations have enjoyed prosperity and economic gains at the sad expense of most developing countries who have borne the brunt of adverse climate change impacts.
He said Kiribati is severely impacted by the disastrous effects of climate change affecting coastlines, root crops, underground fresh water supplies and its physical infrastructures such as roads, causeways, seawalls.
Taneti Maamau, President and Head of Government of the Republic of Kiribati. Photo: AFP or licensors
Taneti Maamau said Kiribati will strengthen its people's resolve and resilence to climate change and do whatever is necessary to continue their island ways of life.
He reminded the conference climate change is everyone's business and called for Taiwan's inclusion in the process in the spirit of the theme of 'Changing Together'.
Participants attend demonstration during the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Poland. 14 December 2018. Photo: Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto