Pacific Islands most vulnerable to impacts of climate change

In the Pacific region many of the natural disasters experienced are related to water and climate, Hon. Samuel Manetoali told the opening meeting of the Pacific Meteorological Council on August 14 in the Solomon Islands. “Given our limited capacity, isolation, weak economic base and frailty as Pacific Island countries and territories, we are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and that of climate variability.” Hon. Manetoali, the Solomon Islands Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, said Pacific Island nations must work together in strengthening regional meteorological services by sharing knowledge and assisting each other in order to build resilience. The theme for this PMC4 meeting is "Sustainable, Weather, Climate, Ocean and Water Services for a Resilient Pacific." He said the gathering at the FFA in Honiara this week was to discuss ways and opportunities to strengthen their meteorological and hydrological services. “We must continue to assist each other. We must continue to collaborate and share knowledge, experiences and skills in our efforts to build resilient societies. We must continue to work with our partners and ensure that adequate resources are available to support the implementation of priorities programmes and projects in our countries and territories.”