The Fiji Council of Social Services is raising alarms about the increasing dangers Fiji faces from natural disasters and climate change, particularly highlighting the vulnerable state of the country’s informal settlements. Council executive director Vani Catanasiga emphasized during a COP panel discussion that these settlements, often populated by individuals displaced due to climate change, represent the frontline in the battle against climate impacts.
Catanasiga pointed out that the political will to engage with these urgent issues is lacking, noting that many decision-makers may not fully understand the pressing realities faced by informal settlement residents since some of them share similar backgrounds. She criticized the lack of attention given to the challenges confronting these communities, stating that many who now live in such settlements are left without adequate support for disaster preparedness, increasing their vulnerability.
“Each life lost is significant, and our goal is to avert such tragedies,” she asserted, highlighting that sometimes loss of life is not prioritized decisively in decision-making spheres. Thus, a call for accountability from the government was made, emphasizing the need for local action that prioritizes climate resilience over global discussions at summits like COP.
Catanasiga advocates for improving governance structures and addressing local issues urgently, asserting that these areas should be at the core of Fiji’s climate strategy.
This call to action serves as a reminder of the critical need for local leadership in addressing pressing climate change-related challenges. By focusing on enhancing the resilience of these informal settlements, Fiji has the opportunity to create a stronger foundation against future climate threats. As communities unite to advocate for change, there is hope for a more proactive approach to safeguarding lives and improving governance in the face of climate adversity.
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