Small Island, big impact

Tuvalu is a small Polynesian island state in the Pacific Ocean. There are four reef islands, and five atolls. A member of the Commonwealth, all of its islands are no more than 4m above sea level, and most people live below 2m above sea level. At only a total of 10 or so square miles, it is the 4th smallest country in the world.

But it has been making a big impact on the climate change negotiations. Five days ago their delegation asked for the negotiations to be suspended to gain time to resolve differences that had arisen between the Alliance of Small Island States and the Least Developed Countries on the one hand, and some of the wealthier nations. On Saturday, after informal discussions had been held to resolve the differences, the plenary session resumed, and the Tuvalu representative was one of the first to speak.

He noted that some media had accused Tuvalu of trying to embarrass the Danish government by suspending the talks. In an emotional speech, he assured the chairman that this was not the case, and he was very concerned not to offend the host nation.

He had received calls of support from all over the world and requests for media interviews, but had refused to do them. “I am a humble and insignificant employee of the government of Tuvalu”, he said, “and I make a strong plea that we consider this matter properly…. I woke up this morning crying”. He was tearful again as he pleaded, movingly. “The future of my country rests in your hands”.

The response to his speech was a round of applause, led from the back of the hall where I sat with colleagues from World Vision. It is here where NGOs and others who are allowed to observe the negotiations have to sit. It was a long and sustained applause, but what he really needs is a deep cut in global emissions, or his beautiful country is doomed.

For more information: www.worldvision.org.uk