Pasifika climate advocates have sent a strong message to the more than 120 world leaders and delegates attending the COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow Scotland over the next two weeks. The summit will launch two weeks of global negotiations to help determine whether humanity can drive forward the urgent action needed to avoid catastrophic climate change.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Pacific climate campaigner and part of the team from 350 Pacific who is in Glasgow, Brianna Fruean delivered a powerful speech to leaders including US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, to remind them what was at stake for vulnerable countries and people who are bearing the brunt of climate change. Brianna urged the leaders to put their actions into words during their negotiations.
Brianna acknowledged the growing voice and climate leadership of Pacific Youth. She says young Pacific people are not just victims to this crisis, they have been resilient beacons of hope. Pacific youth have rallied behind the Warrior Cry to the World; “we are not drowning, we are fighting!”
Brianna added this message to the leaders.
Pacific climate warriors have let their presence be known in the lead up to COP 26, bringing their story, culture, and prayer to highlight the lived realities of Pacific people and the impacts of climate change.
Watch Brianna Fruean’s full speech