Climate change is not just a major issue of our time; it poses an existential threat to humanity, according to Professor Sushil Kumar from the University of the South Pacific. During the Global Development Conference held at the USP Laucala campus, he highlighted the significant impacts of sea level rise, intense weather events, and environmental degradation, which contribute to catastrophic floods, coastal flooding, and shore erosion. These challenges not only threaten the environment but also affect cultural identities and livelihoods.
Prof. Kumar emphasized the resilience of the Pacific region, noting that despite these challenges, the community has historically found strength through collaboration. He praised USP for being a platform that amplifies Pacific voices and solutions within global research dialogues.
By hosting the conference, USP asserts Fiji’s position as a leader in climate resilience and aligns itself with efforts toward furthering the regional research agenda. Prof. Kumar outlined five strategic research themes at the institution, including Oceans, Ecosystems, and Climate Resilience, which aim to address the complex challenges posed by climate change.
He called upon participants to view climate resilience as critical to survival, emphasizing the need for actionable commitments and partnerships to foster deeper research and collaborative efforts.
The three-day conference attracted over 200 participants, including experts and policymakers, dedicated to exploring innovative approaches to enhance climate resilience.
This gathering represents a significant opportunity to not only discuss challenges but also to forge a path forward with hopeful solutions. The collective commitment from a diverse group of stakeholders sets a promising tone for future initiatives aimed at combatting climate change and building stronger, more resilient communities.
Leave a comment