27 Sep 2008

Small Pacific islands seek climate help from UN

9:11 am on 27 September 2008

Palau's vice president has told the United Nations general assembly that climate change is a security matter.

The Small island developing nations, many under imminent threat of inundation due to rising sea levels, have appealed to the United Nations for immediate measures to be taken to ensure their survival.

Vice President Elias Camsek Chin says the small island states will reintroduce a resolution about climate change, and look forward to General Assembly action.

"In the meantime, we cannot wait. While Palau contributes little to"

greenhouse gas emissions, we are taking significant steps to reduce reliance on fossil fuel, despite the detrimental economic consequences. Energy efficiency and renewable energy projects have been increased. We thank our donor partners for their support

Elias Camsek Chin, the Vice President of Palau.