Consequences of climate change
Baerbock assures Pacific countries of help
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visits a village on the Fiji Islands that is being relocated due to flooding. photo
© Michael Fischer/dpa
They are among the smallest climate sinners, but suffer the most from the consequences. Baerbock traveled halfway around the world to assure the Pacific island states of their solidarity.
“The climate crisis is the greatest threat to the security of people in the Pacific island states. It is not for nothing that combating the climate crisis is at the center of our increased bilateral cooperation.”
According to her, it is not just about repairing the damage caused by the consequences of global warming, i.e. extreme weather such as tropical storms, droughts or floods. She also mentioned economic aid and the promotion of the expansion of renewable energies.
Relocations necessary
Baerbock visited a village in the interior of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu. A total of 330 islands in the South Pacific belong to the country, which, like 13 other Pacific island states, is particularly badly affected by climate change. In Vuniniudrovo, located on a river, families are gradually having to be relocated to higher ground due to flooding and land erosion. Fiji’s coastal regions are struggling with rising sea levels. Six villages in Fiji have already been abandoned due to the consequences of climate change, and 42 are considered to be at high risk.
The country is Baerbock’s third and final stop on her week-long Indo-Pacific trip. Previously she was in Australia and New Zealand. The Foreign Minister is expected back in Berlin on Wednesday morning.