Name: Luana Bousquet-Hayes
Age: 20
Country: Cook Islands
Language: English
I come from Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
My experience of climate change is that in 2005 there were five major cyclones in a row. Just as people started to rebuild, another one would hit. Normally in cyclone season we may have one bad cyclone every now and again.
In my view, the most important issues regarding climate change in my country include lack of information and education regarding climate change – both in terms of the impacts, and what can be done to address it. Cook Islanders need to be encouraged to stand up and take action, and help the international community to understand what Pacific Islanders are going through right now. For some islands, it’s too late for mitigation, so there needs to be sustainable adaptation processes put in place.
The thing that I would most like to tell leaders at COP15 is: Please try to understand the position that we’re in. I’m here to help leaders understand the situation of the Pacific islands, and take steps to ensure the survival not only of our physical environment, but our culture and identity. Look beyond the science of climate change, and realise that it’s people’s lives you’re dealing with.
Here at COP15, I have a particular interest in collaborating with other Pacific Islanders to build a strong, unified network of people dedicated to local action on climate change. I wish to learn as much as much as possible so that I can use those skills back home, and with groups I’m working with in NZ, to encourage people to take further action on climate change.
During my time at COP15 I hope to share stories of the Pacific and help the international community and world leaders understand. Hopefully, they can have a heart, and put in place positive policies not only for our Pacific people, but all people in vulnerable nations.
Beyond COP15, I would like to see people acting locally, because we can’t wait for action on the part of world leaders. It shouldn’t be up to those who are not experiencing climate change first-hand to decide our future for us.
