It is called Trouble in Paradise, a powerful exhibition of visual stories of climate change and resilience by people of the Pacific, confronting the reality of our changing world.

British Council New Zealand and the Pacific, in partnership with the British High Commissions in Wellington and Apia, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Auckland University of Technology and the Samoan Ministry of Education and Culture, will present an official CHOGM Side Event, the exhibition Trouble in Paradise - Climate Change in the Pacific at Falemata'aga/Museum of Samoa. The exhibition speaks to CHOGM’s theme ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth’.

World leaders participating in the event will witness first-hand the stories of Pacific people.

From 21- 26 October 2024, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) will be held for the first time in the Pacific (excluding Australia and New Zealand). HM King Charles III, Patron of the British Council and the Head of the Commonwealth will attend, along with leaders of the 56 Commonwealth countries and over 3,000 delegates.

Featuring many of the winning entries from the UK’s Pacific Climate Photography Competition which was held in the lead-up to COP26, this exhibition features 25 striking images selected from over 300 submissions by people of the Pacific.

The photos capture the effects of the climate crisis on the region, across categories of Marine, Land, People, Youth and Junior. Photographers from as young as eight capture a stark picture of the rising sea levels, cyclones and floods experienced by those living in the Pacific. The images are profoundly moving, beautiful, and challenging to those in a position to take action and set climate change policy.

British Council Director New Zealand and the Pacific Natasha Beckman said, “This exhibition presents a unique opportunity to highlight the urgency of the climate crisis to Commonwealth Heads of State, leaders and delegates.

“Through poignant imagery it aims to move hearts and minds, inspiring urgent action. Climate change remains one of the world’s greatest challenges, with Pacific communities often bearing the brunt of its effects despite their minimal contributions to global emissions. We hope this powerful exhibition will spark crucial policy discussions on a global scale and encourage world leaders to experience it first-hand.”

Photographers whose works are exhibited are residents of the Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau and Vanuatu. Images of bleached corals, flooded villages and coastal erosion give an arresting insight into the impacts of climate change in the region.

Iona Thomas, British High Commissioner to New Zealand said, “We are living in a climate crisis and need to intensify our global efforts to address it. The Pacific is at the forefront, with climate change now an existential threat to the security and well-being of the region.  

“These images show devastation, but also hope. They demonstrate the resilience of the Pacific and make a compelling case for action to reduce emissions and for amplifying the voices of communities in Pacific Island Countries across the world.”

Si’alei Van Toor, New Zealand High Commissioner to Samoa said, “The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is pleased to support this important project, making it possible for Commonwealth Leaders to experience both the wonder of our Blue Pacific region and the bleak reality of the devastating impacts of climate change. We are delighted to have been able to collaborate with our partners to facilitate the exhibition’s return ‘home’ to the Pacific region for this historic occasion.”

The exhibition opens on Monday 21 October, 5 pm at Falemata'aga/Museum of Samoa.

Speakers included Ms Natasha Beckman, Director British Council for New Zealand and the Pacific and Professor Damon Salesa, Vice-Chancellor of the Auckland University of Technology (AUT).

AUT and the British Council have co-produced a limited-edition book to accompany the exhibition, which includes contributions from Damon Salesa and former New Zealand Poet Laureates Selina Tusitala Marsh and David Eggleton.