13 Aug 2018

Pacific countries may set up huge climate change fund

2:06 pm on 13 August 2018

The Pacific Islands Forum summit in Nauru next month will consider the region pooling resources to create a US$1.5 billion climate change fund.

A high tide across Ejit Island in Majuro Atoll, Marshall Islands on March 3, 2014, causing widespread flooding. Officials in the Marshall Islands blamed climate change for severe flooding in the Pacific nation's capital Majuro.

Flooding caused by huge spring tides which Marshall Islands officials have blamed on climate change. Photo: AFP

The aim is for this money to be used by states to build their own infrastructure.

The secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum, Dame Meg Taylor, said such a fund would allow Pacific nation to strengthen their infrastructure, so they are prepared for disaster instead of waiting for it to happen and then asking for help.

She said they will be looking for donors to back the idea.

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