It was March this year, during a United Nations General Assembly, that 132 countries voted “yes” for Pacific Climate Justice. 

Specifically, these countries passed a motion proposed by the Vanuatu government, calling on the International Court of Justice to deliver an advisory opinion that confirms the devastating impacts of climate change on human rights..

In doing so, the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion (or ICJ AO for short) would clarify the obligations owed by countries to protect the rights of both current  and future generations from climate change.

We know that strong and compelling evidence about the impacts that climate change is already having on communities across the world will play a key role in convincing the court to hand down a decisive and authoritative opinion. That’s why the Rainbow Warrior visited the Pacific earlier this year; to document the human rights impacts of climate change in this region. 

We sailed to Port Vila and Erromango in Vanuatu, then onwards to Tuvalu, followed by Suva, Kioa, and Rabi – all islands in Fiji. We were welcomed into the homes and hearts of countless people who most generously shared their experience of a changing climate and how it has  impacted on their human rights to their homes, their cultures, and their livelihoods. These stories will live on in our hearts, and amplify the strength of our upcoming submission to the International Court of Justice. Read on for some of these stories from the island of Pele – just one of the many places we visited whilst in the Pacific.

A farewell ceremony is a cultural protocol in the Pacific.

We walked with a local healer named Winnie, who recalled  the uses of the medicinal plants that have been lost due to climate change and shared the repercussions of this loss for her children when they fall ill.

We knelt with Sister Lizzie in a Pele graveyard and mourned after we learned that an additional 20 of the village’s ancestral graves had been swallowed by the sea since her last visit to the site which was a day before the twin cyclones Judy and Kevin hit the region in March this year.

Flora Vano, country manager for ActionAid Vanuatu has been helping communities face the dangers of a changing climate. She shared with us how when the twin cyclones came, communication with Erromango was down. Nobody answered her calls, leaving her to wonder if anyone on Erromango had survived at all. It was three days before Flora heard that there were no casualties, thanks to all the hard work that the women had done to fortify their communities beforehand. Watch her story in full with this video.

Women are not only disproportionately impacted by climate change, but are also often the first responders to climate disasters. Flora is advocating for the leadership of Indigenous women to be acknowledged as a powerful treasure in building climate resilience.

The ICJ AO’s potential to safeguard the human rights of frontline communities, current and future generations in the face of climate change, is why this work is of utmost importance to Greenpeace. Our mission to secure a strong Advisory Opinion is also something that we feel will strongly resonate with you, a legacy gift supporter, who has made a generous commitment to protect future generations through a gift in your Will.

From August 7-9, more than sixty civil society representatives from across the Pacific came together on the remote island of Kioa for a ‘talanoa’ or discussion as part of the next stage of the Kioa Climate Emergency Declaration.

Over two days, delegates discussed pressing climate issues facing Pacific communities, and progressing the design of a regional finance mechanism, the Kato Pacific Community Climate Fund.

Sepesa Rasili, Senior Campaigner at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said the dialogue highlighted the urgent need for global and regional solutions to the climate crisis.

“Pacific Island nations have been leading the way on a range of climate issues, from the establishment of a Loss and Damage fund at COP27, to calls for a moratorium on Deep Sea Mining, and the historic Pacific-led campaign for an advisory opinion on the human rights impacts of climate change from the International Court of Justice,” she said.

“The Kato Pacific Community Climate Fund is yet another example of Pacific Island leadership and an illustration to the rest of the world of what’s possible when civil society organisations and governments work together with the collective goal of climate justice.

“We are humbled to have been included in this process and remain committed to working alongside our allies in the Pacific and amplifying the demands they have developed in recognition of the unique challenges that the region is facing.

“Greenpeace Australia Pacific will continue to escalate key demands within the Kioa Declaration in recognition of Australia’s position as a global laggard on climate and a major contributor to the climate crisis — that means no new coal, oil and gas approvals and no more fossil fuel subsidies.

“We also call on Minister Penny Wong to make the strongest possible submission to the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion.”

The residents of Kioa island are descendents of Vaitupu in Tuvalu who began migrating to the Fijian island in the 1940’s. They identify as Tuvaluan, and speak and practise the unique language and culture of Tuvalu. Kioa is considered an example of a successful model for future climate migration, one which preserves culture and human dignity.

In his opening address to the conference, Guest of Honour the Hon. Seve Paeniu, the Tuvalu Minister for Finance and Climate Change, said high emitting countries must act to protect Pacific nations from rising seas as a matter of moral principle.

“The Pacific island countries contribute the least to the cause of climate change, and yet we do not only suffer the most damage in terms of the impacts of climate change, but we have to consequently bear the heaviest price in terms of cost of adaptation and mitigation,” he said.

“It is within this context that this Kato conference held in Kioa is very timely and visionary.”

The Kato Fund is seen as a powerful vehicle to amplify the unique challenges and solutions small Pacific communities face, and an opportunity to strengthen collaboration across the region.

The Rainbow Warrior leaves Kioa today for Rabi Island to celebrate International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, before returning to Suva. The ship has been travelling across the Pacific since June, sailing around Vanuatu, Tuvalu and Fiji in solidarity with climate impacted communities and gathering testimonies of climate harm to present to the International Court of Justice.

—ENDS—

To arrange an interview please contact:

• Kate O’Callaghan in Fiji on +61 406 231 892 (WhatsApp/Signal) or kate.ocallaghan@greenpeace.org
• Kimberley Bernard in Australia on +61 407 581 404 (WhatsApp/Signal) or kbernard@greenpeace.org

From August 7-9, more than sixty civil society representatives from across the Pacific came together on the remote island of Kioa for a ‘talanoa’ or discussion as part of the next stage of the Kioa Climate Emergency Declaration.

Over two days, delegates discussed pressing climate issues facing Pacific communities, and progressing the design of a regional finance mechanism, the Kato Pacific Community Climate Fund.

Sepesa Rasili, Senior Campaigner at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said the dialogue highlighted the urgent need for global and regional solutions to the climate crisis.

“Pacific Island nations have been leading the way on a range of climate issues, from the establishment of a Loss and Damage fund at COP27, to calls for a moratorium on Deep Sea Mining, and the historic Pacific-led campaign for an advisory opinion on the human rights impacts of climate change from the International Court of Justice,” he said.

“The Kato Pacific Community Climate Fund is yet another example of Pacific Island leadership and an illustration to the rest of the world of what’s possible when civil society organisations and governments work together with the collective goal of climate justice.

“We are humbled to have been included in this process and remain committed to working alongside our allies in the Pacific and amplifying the demands they have developed in recognition of the unique challenges that the region is facing.

“Greenpeace Australia Pacific will continue to escalate key demands within the Kioa Declaration in recognition of Australia’s position as a global laggard on climate and a major contributor to the climate crisis — that means no new coal, oil and gas approvals and no more fossil fuel subsidies.

“We also call on Minister Penny Wong to make the strongest possible submission to the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion.”

The residents of Kioa island are descendents of Vaitupu in Tuvalu who began migrating to the Fijian island in the 1940’s. They identify as Tuvaluan, and speak and practise the unique language and culture of Tuvalu. Kioa is considered an example of a successful model for future climate migration, one which preserves culture and human dignity.

In his opening address to the conference, Guest of Honour the Hon. Seve Paeniu, the Tuvalu Minister for Finance and Climate Change, said high emitting countries must act to protect Pacific nations from rising seas as a matter of moral principle.

“The Pacific island countries contribute the least to the cause of climate change, and yet we do not only suffer the most damage in terms of the impacts of climate change, but we have to consequently bear the heaviest price in terms of cost of adaptation and mitigation,” he said.

“It is within this context that this Kato conference held in Kioa is very timely and visionary.”

The Kato Fund is seen as a powerful vehicle to amplify the unique challenges and solutions small Pacific communities face, and an opportunity to strengthen collaboration across the region.

The Rainbow Warrior leaves Kioa today for Rabi Island to celebrate International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, before returning to Suva. The ship has been travelling across the Pacific since June, sailing around Vanuatu, Tuvalu and Fiji in solidarity with climate impacted communities and gathering testimonies of climate harm to present to the International Court of Justice.

For more information and a map of Greenpeace Australia Pacific’s Ship Tour: greenpeace.org.au/act/pacific-campaign

—ENDS—

Understanding Pacific Voices for Climate Action

The Kioa Declaration is a landmark call for climate action, representing the collective voices of Pacific island nations. It emerged following a historic gathering of Pacific leaders, activists, and communities in Kioa Island, Fiji on 9 August 2023. The Declaration serves as a powerful demonstration of unity on the urgent need for climate action to protect the Pacific region and its people and culture from the devastating impacts of the climate crisis.

The Origin of the Kioa Declaration

The Kioa Declaration was born during a gathering of Pacific leaders and activists on the island of Kioa, Fiji. This island holds immense significance as a place where communities from Tuvalu sought refuge from rising sea levels and the immediate threat of climate impacts. Against the backdrop of this existential crisis faced by Pacific island nations, the leaders and communities united to amplify their call for climate justice and global climate action.

The Call for Climate Action

The Kioa Declaration is a powerful call for urgent climate action to safeguard the Pacific region and its people from the escalating impacts of climate change. It is a unified demand for:

• Stronger Commitments: Pacific island nations are calling on the international community to enhance their commitments to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to well below 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, as set out in the Paris Agreement.
• Climate Finance: The declaration highlights the critical need for increased financial support from developed nations to assist Pacific island nations in their adaptation and resilience-building efforts to confront the climate crisis.
• Loss and Damage Funding: recognising the adverse impacts already felt by Pacific communities, the Kioa Declaration demands dedicated funding mechanisms to address loss and damage caused by climate change.
• Renewable Energy Transition: The declaration emphasises the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, ensuring a sustainable and clean energy future for the Pacific.

The Significance of the Kioa Declaration

The Kioa Declaration carries immense significance in the fight for climate justice. It represents the collective voice of Pacific island nations that have long been at the forefront of climate impacts despite contributing minimally to global emissions. This declaration is a call to action to the international community, and urges them to acknowledge and act upon their responsibility to support climate-vulnerable nations.

Greenpeace Australia Pacific’s Commitment to the Pacific Islands

Greenpeace Australia Pacific stands in solidarity with the Pacific island nations and supports the development of the Kioa Declaration. As an environmental organisation committed to climate justice and safeguarding the planet, we echo the call for urgent and ambitious climate action. We advocate for no new coal and gas projects, a rapid transition away from fossil fuels, an end to fossil fuel subsidies, increased climate finance, and dedicated funding to address loss and damage. By amplifying the voices of Pacific communities, we strive to create a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Greenpeace Australia Pacific stands united with the Pacific Islands in advocating for a just and sustainable future for all, recognising that the fight against climate change requires global solidarity and immediate action.

Together, we can stand shoulder to shoulder with our Pacific Island family in pursuit of climate justice and a safe future for generations to come.

Sharing Pacific Stories with the World

The Pacific region is no stranger to the impacts of climate change, with hundreds of communities bearing the brunt of rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation. Through the Rainbow Warrior tour, we aim to take these powerful stories to the global stage, ensuring that the world hears the voices of those most affected. By sharing these experiences, we will raise awareness and foster international solidarity in the fight against climate change.

The Goal of the Ship Tour

The Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior Pacific tour aligns with our historic campaign to seek a world first advisory opinion on climate change from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the world’s highest court. Recently, the campaign achieved a significant milestone by gaining consensus in the UN General Assembly. Now, as the campaign advances to The Hague, we are using the Rainbow Warrior as a vessel to spotlight and compile Pacific stories and deliver them directly to the ICJ as evidence. We hope that these powerful stories will contribute to a strong advisory opinion being handed down by the court that prioritises justice for frontline communities around the world .

A Journey of Inspiration

The seeds of the historic campaign were sown in the stories and experiences of the Pacific peoples. These stories have served as a profound source of inspiration, and now, they play a vital role in steering the campaign towards a momentous conclusion. The Rainbow Warrior serves not only as a ship but also as a symbol of hope, resilience, and solidarity for the Pacific communities and the global climate justice movement.

The Itinerary: Exploring Climate-Impacted Islands

The Rainbow Warrior’s journey will take us to some of the most climate-impacted islands in the Pacific, where communities are facing the harsh realities of climate change. We will visit Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Fiji, and Kioa, witnessing firsthand the environmental challenges and exploring the innovative solutions these communities have devised to combat the crisis. By highlighting the origin of these global solutions in the Pacific, we seek to underscore the importance of supporting and implementing climate initiatives worldwide.

In Search of a Momentous Conclusion at the International Court of Justice

As the Rainbow Warrior sails across the Pacific, it carries not only the hopes and aspirations of Pacific communities but also the collective determination to secure climate justice for the entire planet. The stories shared during this tour will serve as a clarion call to the International Court of Justice, reminding them of the urgent need to take decisive action on climate change. We stand in solidarity with the Pacific, and call upon the International Court of Justice to deliver an advisory opinion that acknowledges the impact that climate change is having on fundamental human rights and provides a strengthened legal framework to protect them.

The Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior’s tour of the Pacific is not just a maritime journey; it is a voyage of advocacy,solidarity and urgency. As we engage with our Pasifika family on the frontlines of the climate crisis, we are committed to amplifying their voices and sharing their stories with the world. By bringing these stories to The Hague, we seek to propel the historic campaign for an advisory opinion on climate change to a momentous conclusion.

Together with Pasifika peoples and the global community, Greenpeace Australia Pacific will continue to fight for climate justice, to protect human rights, and to create an ecologically sustainable future for generations to come.

Join us on this transformative journey as we set sail to shape a better world.

Follow the Rainbow Warrior Pacific Tour

Let me introduce you to Tuvalu, a breathtaking atoll nation facing immense climate impacts. Home to approximately 11,000 people, many of its islands and islets stand just 2 metres above sea level, leaving them vulnerable to the rising tides.

This paradise is facing many grave challenges caused by climate change: land salinity, rising sea levels, droughts, extreme heat, cyclones, and coastal erosion are just some of the struggles they confront daily.

Despite these challenges, we’ve heard incredibly powerful stories about how climate change is impacting everyday lives and how Tuvaluans are standing up to protect and preserve their vibrant cultures, their lands, their languages and their communities.

We are even more determined than before to carry these stories of strength and realities of climate impacts with us to the world’s highest court as part of the historic Pasifika-led campaign for climate justice.

From the moment we arrived, the Tuvaluan community welcomed us with open arms and hearts. They prepared for weeks to showcase their vibrant culture, an important part of the Tuvaluan communal fabric that could be lost to climate change, and made us feel like an integral part of their kaiga (family).

Picture this: our beloved Rainbow Warrior, sailing gracefully through the vast Pacific Ocean, welcomed to Tuvalu with a breathtaking traditional Maululu ceremony. Canoes filled with people from different islands, singing hymns with harmonious melodies, guided our ship to dock. The feeling was indescribable – truly special!

Traditional paopao (canoes) escorted the arriving ship to shore, where those aboard were welcomed by the community of Tuvalu, civil society groups, and addressed by Representatives from the Government of Tuvalu including the Hon. Prime Minister Kausea Natano and the Hon. Minister for Finance and Climate Change Seve Paeniu. © Greenpeace / Sam Pedro

During our stay, we engaged in open boat sessions with communities, schools, and civil society organisations, learning from each other and celebrating the strength of Tuvalu’s culture and their global leadership fighting for climate justice. The activist training onboard the Rainbow Warrior was a beautiful exchange of knowledge and passion.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey with us. We ate together, danced together, laughed together, cried together, walked together, shared together and we will fight together to preserve and protect our Tuvalu and our Pacific.

Now, we set sail for Suva, Fiji, where our focus will be to collaborate with communities, amplify the demands of climate justice activists, and foster discussion, talanoa, action, and friendship.

Fakafetai Lasi (thank you very much) for your love and for walking with us on this journey.

Fetaui Tuvalu – we will see you again!

Alofa kae aava lasi kia koutou (much love and respect to you all)

Follow Greenpeace Australia Pacific’s Climate Justice Ship Tour

“The deep sea mining industry was getting ready to plunge its mechanical teeth into the ocean floor, but their bet backfired as they have seriously underestimated the importance of science and equity over a merely speculative and profit-driven venture. The cracks are appearing in what has to date been a fortress for industry interests as a result of increasing public awareness and mobilisation. It’s clear that most governments do not want their legacy to be green lighting ocean destruction”, said Greenpeace International Oceans campaigner Louisa Casson.

The decisions adopted by the ISA Council on 21 July effectively mean that a majority of countries — including Brazil, Costa Rica, Chile, Vanuatu, Germany and Switzerland — did not yield to pressure from the industry — supported by nations such as Norway and Mexico — to fast-track rules for deep sea mining. Industry frontrunner The Metals Company saw its share price plummet as markets reacted to the news.[1]  However, the ISA still failed to close a legal loophole for companies to start mining next year. 

At the ISA Assembly this week, pro-mining nations reacted by attempting to silence the growing resistance to deep sea mining in the very place it’s up for negotiation: As of Friday morning, China is still opposing a proposal from Latin American, Pacific and European governments to make space for debate. Such attempts at restricting opposition to deep sea mining went beyond the negotiating table, as the ISA Secretariat, frequently accused of being too close to the industry, restricted journalists and clamped down on peaceful protest during the meetings. 

“Investors looking at what happened in the past week will only see a desperate industry trying to maintain the illusion it has any future. If deep sea mining was truly as sustainable as miners claim and their hearts were truly invested in helping the climate crisis, why block dissent? It’s become clear during these weeks that irresponsibly pressing ahead to mine the deep sea in the middle of a climate crisis is not only reckless but politically toxic. The world is fighting back against deep sea mining – there’s a big fight ahead, but the fight is on,” Casson continued. 

The world is waking up to the significance of the threat from deep sea mining. The calls of Indigenous Peoples are being joined by people across the world: 37 financial institutions, over 750 scientists and the fishing industry have also called for a halt. 

“In the Pacific, the ocean is dear to us. It informs our lives and who we are as a people. The spectre of deep-sea mining raises many concerns that remind us of the legacies our region has felt from other colonial extractive industries and the barbarous nuclear testing era. We call on world leaders to be better stewards of our ocean by joining the call for a moratorium,” said Joey Tau, Campaigner with the Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG) based in Suva, Fiji. 

Greenpeace believes that the way to stop this industry is through a moratorium that focuses on putting protection in place and that requires more governments to speak up to safeguard the ocean. 

The ship will spend two weeks in Fiji to rally support behind the historic, Pacific-led campaign to take climate change to the world’s highest court, the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The Rainbow Warrior was welcomed to Suva with a vibrant ceremony which included traditional ‘vaka’ or canoes, as well as speeches from government officials and community leaders.

A traditional kava ceremony (Yaqona Vakaturaga) was conducted, including the preparation and presentation of kava to the Tui Suva (Chief of Suva) and the Chief Guests, David Ritter CEO of Greenpeace Australia Pacific and Ali Schmidt, Captain of the Rainbow Warrior.

The crew have spent the last four weeks sailing around Vanuatu and Tuvalu, meeting communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis and listening to their stories. Greenpeace experts also gathered legal testimonies of the human rights impacts of climate change throughout their visit — evidence which will form part of submissions due to the ICJ in October.

From Suva, the ship will travel to Kioa Island to join civil society leaders from across the Pacific as part of the Kioa Climate Emergency dialogue, then onwards to Rabi Island, before returning to Suva.

David Ritter, CEO of Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said the team is incredibly humbled to have been welcomed so warmly by leaders and communities across the Pacific:

“From Vanuatu to Tuvalu, we’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts the climate crisis is unleashing on Pacific nations, who are fighting to protect their homes, their culture and their future. What more will it take for governments to act as heat records are shattered around the world, floods and bushfires rage, and sea level rise threatens entire communities?

“The Albanese government vowed to reset its relationship with the Pacific after a decade of neglect. And yet, the financial support directed towards the Pacific is miniscule compared to the billions of taxpayer dollars poured into fossil fuel subsidies every year — a polluting industry that is directly harming the human rights of Pacific people and nations.

“Pacific nation leaders have repeatedly affirmed climate change as the greatest threat to the region. We call on Minister Wong to make a strong submission on behalf of Australia to the International Court of Justice as a statement of support for Pacific survival.”

The push to protect vulnerable nations by issuing an advisory opinion on climate harm, known as the ICJAO, was born in a university classroom in the Pacific. In March, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously voted for a resolution calling on the ICJ to establish the legal obligations of nations in addressing climate change. Submissions are due in October.

Vishal Prasad, Campaign Director of the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, said that a successful ICJ advisory opinion would be a powerful tool to support bolder climate action globally:

“An ICJ advisory opinion would ensure that Pacific Island nations have a greater voice on the international stage, and also provide a legal framework for countries around the globe.

“The climate crisis is a human rights crisis. Hundreds of millions of people in vulnerable countries like Fiji are having their livelihoods, health, food security, and cultures severely impacted.

“We need monumental, global action, and we need it now. An advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice is exactly that. It would mean we could better enforce the Paris Climate Agreement, and ensure human rights are at the centre of all climate responses.”

—ENDS—

Media assets

Images: Rainbow Warrior arriving, welcome ceremony can be found here from 11am FST and generic photos of the Rainbow Warrior can be found here

B-Roll vision: Drone shots of ship arriving, welcome ceremony, can be found here from 1pm FST

For more information and a map of Greenpeace Australia Pacific’s Ship Tour: greenpeace.org.au/act/pacific-campaign

The Rainbow Warrior III is now in Vanuatu – one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations. We are providing a platform for communities, activists and politicians to show how they are leading the world in their fight for climate justice.

Vanuatu is also the birthplace of a groundbreaking legal campaign taking climate change to the world’s highest court. For us Pasifika peoples, this opportunity has the potential to shape our existence, our right to survival, equality, water, food, culture, language, education and health.

A successful legal opinion could protect the human rights of current and future generations and finally hold polluters accountable for their actions. But this depends on big polluting countries like Australia making a strong submission to the International Court, and this is where you come in!

Will you stand with us and urge Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong to make a strong case for climate action at the world’s highest court?

I’LL SIGN MY NAME

Warriors at the Rainbow Warrior arrival Ceremony in Port, Vila Vanuatu.  © Greenpeace / Island Roots

Our journey in Vanuatu has been filled with many colourful and empowering events that have showcased the resilience and strength of Pasifika communities.

From art exhibitions to fashion shows, community gatherings to singing, dancing, and sharing meals, the energy and love have left an indelible mark on our hearts.

Local fashion designers in Port Vila put on a vibrant fashion show onboard the helideck of the Rainbow Warrior. © Greenpeace / Island Roots

A significant highlight was our visit to the village of Eton, where we immersed ourselves and deeply felt the cultural pulse of the community. Community members shared their stories and their fight for climate justice and gifted us beautiful handmade items, symbolising their love and connection to the land. The Eton community live on the West coast of Vanuatu, exposed to rough seas and rising tides on low-lying ground. The community hall, a place the community seek refuge during cyclones, was flooded during back-to-back cyclones earlier this year. Droughts are also anticipated for the dry season.

Despite these hardships, the community opened their hearts and homes to us. They fed us. Our children played together and by the end of our visit, we were family.

Weaving workshop in Eton. Staff and crew had the opportunity to weave and understand the importance of coconut and pandanus (vulnerable to climate impacts) in all aspects of Pacific life. These are usually referred to as the “tree of life” in the Pacific. © Greenpeace / Island Roots

We carry these stories with us, weaving together the vibrant tapestry of Pacific Island communities, and sharing their struggles, strength, and determination with the world. Vanuatu’s tireless efforts to combat climate issues inspire us to continue the fight for a better future.

Together, we stand in solidarity, fighting for what is right and embracing the voices of those most impacted by the climate crisis.

Tankyu Tumas

Shiva

As part of Greenpeace’s Pacific Ship Tour, the Rainbow Warrior will spend six weeks sailing around Vanuatu, Tuvalu and Fiji, bearing witness with communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis, and gathering evidence of climate harm to present to the world’s highest court.

The ship was welcomed into port with a traditional ceremony and dancing, and those aboard were greeted by members of civil society groups, local communities and Representatives from the government of Vanuatu. Greenpeace Senior Campaigner Sepesa Rasili said:

“We’re excited to be welcomed so warmly back to Vanuatu, this time in support of a groundbreaking Pasifika-led campaign to take climate harm to the International Court of Justice.

“Greenpeace has a long and proud history of working alongside local communities to protect the oceans, lands, and people of the Pacific. We will use the Rainbow Warrior as a platform for discussion, talanoa and friendship, and to amplify the vision of Pasifika activists demanding greater action to protect the human rights of impacted communities across our region.”

Strengthening Australia’s relationship with the Pacific is contingent on real climate action, and Pacific nation leaders have repeatedly affirmed climate change as the single greatest threat to the region. Greenpeace Senior Campaigner Steph Hodgins-May said:

“Pasifika activists are making history through their campaign to take climate change to the world’s highest court. Communities around the world are uniting and using the law to hold governments to account after decades of failure to protect them from climate harm.

“Pacific nations are amongst the most climate-vulnerable, bearing the brunt of rising seas and extreme weather events. But Pacific Island people are some of the strongest voices holding world leaders to account, driving progressive global solutions and demanding urgent action to mitigate climate change.

“Australia can not reset its relationship with the Pacific while pouring billions of taxpayer dollars into fossil fuel subsidies, and greenlighting new coal, oil and gas developments that will directly harm Pacific nations.

“We can change the world if we change the law. We ask the Australian Government to make the strongest possible submission to the International Court of Justice as a statement of support for Pacific survival.”

—ENDS—

Media assets

Images: Rainbow Warrior arriving, traditional welcome can be found here and generic photos of the Rainbow Warrior can be found here

Vision: Ship arriving, welcome ceremony, speeches can be found here from 4pm AEST

For more information and a map of Greenpeace Australia Pacific’s Ship Tour: greenpeace.org.au/act/pacific-campaign