Cecilia Mulipola, 33, Vaimoso

"I think we need to have more awareness programs and educational workshops to inform citizens on the impact of polluting the air, land and sea. I heard about the news before and I saw it on the internet as well on rising sea levels due to climate change and it is a worrying sign for our future grandchildren. So we need to push harder, even though Pacific countries have very low greenhouse gas emissions."

Ema Tele’a, 52, Vaimoso

"This is one reason why fishermen get small fish rather than bigger ones because the sea is polluted and this is impacting marine life and reducing fish and shells for us to eat. The sea levels are rising and it is the actions of man who are polluting the environment which is leading to a change of our beautiful and natural environment that God created for us. So I appeal for us to stop burning plastics, stop cutting trees, and stop throwing rubbish into the sea to avoid these problems and help our environment."

Amata Fafai Avito, 43, Fagaloa

"We all witness what is happening around the world and it is an ongoing matter that raises a lot of concern about the future generation. I believe it is hard to control now because bigger countries only care about their economies, not the wellbeing of smaller island nations who are the most affected. So my own opinion is only when we stand together and work together with these big nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from factories and industries then our future generation will be safe and not harmed."

Lupematasila Ray, 47, Vaimoso

"There is no one who can stop sea level rising and the temperature increase apart from God almighty who can stop everything from happening. There is also nothing we can do about it because bigger nations don’t care much about our safety, unless our Government can file a complaint or ask them to consider the impact of their selfish man made production processes. All we [can] to do is move to higher places as we know the climate will never be the same."

Fetaiai Fagalilo Ave, 32, Laulii

"I think the leaders of Pacific islands should stand together and tell the bigger nations that we are human beings as well. We are suffering from all their pollution which is having a big impact on the environment, which we rely on to sustain the livelihoods of our families. So our Government must push hard and fight for a healthy environment and ask bigger nations to reduce their pollution and contamination levels. This is another reason why deadly diseases like coronavirus are emerging due to the impact of man's actions and its effects on our environment."

Lalovi Lalovi, 39, Vaimoso

"It is hard to reverse global developments and start all over again. It is what it is and we need to treasure what we have while we have it. What I mean is we can’t change the whole world and if  scientists try to put their brilliant ideas into action, there will be more pollution from what they are going to do in a bid to lessen greenhouse gas emissions. So I think we need to move to higher ground as sea levels rise and be prepared to mitigate the risks that come with the impact of climate change on a daily basis." 

Pastor Amani Afamasaga Mat’ailiga, 53, Tapatapao

"The door will be open if we keep knocking as the Bible says. We have to beg and ask the bigger nations to reduce factories and industries that pollute the environment and exacerbate climate change. I believe, our Government and all small island states in the Pacific should appeal to developed nations to reduce their reliance on nuclear energy and cut greenhouse gas emissions that destroy the ozone layer and allow the sun to heat up the planet. I feel sorry for the next generation if we don’t do anything right now to slow down global warming."

Lesa Atonio, 64, Malie

"We are witnessing a rise in soil erosion as well as sea level rises which is why families are moving away from living on the coastal low-lying areas. The heat and the humidity in the air are high and it is hard to breathe sometimes. Imagine the next 30 years or so if we don't do something to address it now. We need to ask bigger nations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions as God gave us a wonderful world to live but human selfishness will harm innocent lives long-term. We need to raise this issue everyday so that the whole world can see and act to save the planet."