Media Release >
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