Tributes flow for Tony de Brum

12:37 pm on 23 August 2017

Marshall Islands climate campaigner Tony de Brum has been praised by colleagues, friends and fellow climate change campaigners following his death.

Mr de Brum, 72, died following an extended struggle with cancer.

His death has prompted a range of tributes from the Marshall Islands and around the world.

President Hilda Heine tweeted that the Marshalls has lost a national hero, who made their island and the whole world safer.

Our nation lost a hero today with the passing of @TonydeBrum. He made our island home and the rest of the world safer & more peaceful. RIP. pic.twitter.com/welRJWB9bX
— Dr. Hilda C. Heine (@President_Heine) August 22, 2017

Former UN Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Christiana Figueres says he was a friend, a leader and a visionary.

Tony de Brum. Such a good friend, such an inspiring leader, such a pillar of determination. Such a loss. We must fulfill your vision. https://t.co/VncIIzFH2w
— Christiana Figueres (@CFigueres) August 22, 2017

Greenpeace Australia paid tribute to Mr de Brum, saying he was a torchbearer for the cause.

RIP Tony De Brum. You have always been, and will always be, a torchbearer for us all. pic.twitter.com/8NM6YuIm6i
— Greenpeace Aus Pac (@GreenpeaceAP) August 22, 2017

Oxfam Pacific says he was as a tireless crusader for climate change.

Our thoughts with the #MarshallIslands after the loss of #TonydeBrum, a tireless crusader for #climatejustice & the anti-nuclear movement. https://t.co/58XUwkesup
— Oxfam in the Pacific (@oxfampacific) August 22, 2017

The head of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, David Krieger, says Tony de Brum will be greatly missed.

@TonydeBrum worked for his people and for all humanity. He was a rare leader and statesman who will be greatly missed.
— David Krieger (@DkriegerNAPF) August 22, 2017

Global Programme Manager at UNCDF, Fakri Karim, says de Brum's death is a also huge loss for the Pacific.