Landmark Climate Change Conference to Unite Pacific

Landmark Climate Change Conference to Unite Pacific

Over 200 people will gather at Victoria University of Wellington next week to take part in the University’s landmark Pacific Climate Change Conference.

The conference, ‘In The Eye of the Storm’, draws together experts across business, science, law, media and the arts to explore the effects, challenges and possible solutions to climate change in the Pacific.

Keynote speakers of the three-day conference include Kiribati’s President Anote Tong, eminent Australian scientist Professor Will Steffen, indigenous rights lawyer Dayle Takitimu, 350.org’s Bill McKibben (via video) and Victoria University scientists Professor James Renwick and Professor Tim Naish.

Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika) Hon. Luamanuvau Winnie Laban, one of the conference’s lead organisers, says the conference is a unique opportunity to hear from voices all over the Pacific.

“The Pacific is one of the world’s most vulnerable regions to the effects of climate change, and we can’t sit back and wait for bigger countries to act. It’s critical that we understand how climate change will affect us as a region, and identify ways we can mitigate and adapt to the challenges of this global threat.

“We’re delighted to offer a line-up of such knowledgeable, talented keynote speakers and panellists, as well as having representatives from 16 Pacific Island nations in attendance.”

The conference’s official opening on Monday 15 February from 8.30-9.15am includes addresses from Minister of Climate Change Issues Hon. Paula Bennett, Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown, Hon. Luamanuvau Winnie Laban, a prayer led by Cardinal John Dew, a powhiri by Professor Piri Sciascia and a short Fijian theatre performance.

What: ‘Eye of the Storm’: Pacific Climate Change Conference
When: 8.30am, 15-17 February
Where: Victoria University of Wellington
Maclaurin Lecture Theatre 103
Kelburn Parade
Wellington

Please visit the Pacific Climate Change Conference webpage for the full list of speakers and conference programme.

ENDS

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