The president of Nauru has told a UN Summit that vulnerable small island states are taking the lead against climate change effects despite their minor emissions.
In his role as chair of the Alliance of Small Island States Baron Waqa presented a report containing the views of 30 climate experts on solutions available for reducing emissions.
Mr Waqa says no one better understands the grave risks posed by climate change than Small Island Developing States.
He says climate change and sea level rise are threatening their viability and existence as sovereign nations.
Photo: RNZ
Mr Waqa says SIDs recognise the urgency to act.
"SIDS have set some of the most ambitious renewable energy and energy efficiency targets in the world. They have been adopted in our legislation and enshrined in international declarations, such as the Barbados
and Majuro Declarations."
The UN summit on Climate Change was held in New York with a follow up meeting scheduled for Paris next year.
