South Pacific | Climate debate in Fiji: “We need to hear the voices of the communities”

Destruction after Cyclone Winston in Fiji Photo: AFP/Fiji Government What are the effects of climate change in your home country?

We are experiencing severe storms, heavy rains and cyclones. I particularly remember Cyclone Winston in 2016. The strong winds and rain as well as the choppy seas made my family and I very afraid. A few years later, as part of a climate workshop, we visited various affected communities with the “Alliance for Future Generations Fiji”. Even though "Winston" had happened many years ago, the young people still remembered their fear and their experiences clearly. People continue to need support, but their mental health is not being sufficiently taken into account by those responsible.

How do people in Fiji discuss climate change?

The debate has changed. In the past it was more about personal experiences and collaboration in communities. Today the issue is becoming increasingly politicized and the focus is often on money. We know that something has to be done. However, many people only react when they see directly how their homes are threatened by extreme weather and rising sea levels.

AnneMary Raduva is a youth and environmental activist from the island state of Fiji in the South Pacific, which is particularly affected by climate change. The 22-year-old has already received several awards for her work and was appointed as a “Student Ambassador” by the UN Development Program in 2025. In the parliamentary elections in early 2027, she is running as a candidate for the Social Democratic Liberal Party, which advocates for the rights of the indigenous population and the strengthening of traditional institutions.

Of course, it's not just bad luck that comes from the sea. What does the ocean mean to you personally?

As Pacific people, we are deeply connected to the ocean. It provides us with food and is home to an enormous variety of marine life. For me, this connection is also family-based. My grandfather Ma’piga Jimi was a fisherman. He knew how tides and moon phases influenced fishing and when which species could be found. This knowledge has been passed down through generations. When I look at the sea, I think of him and he reminds me to use the ocean responsibly.

How did your commitment to environmental protection begin?

That was 2018. I was 14 years old at the time when I saw a video on YouTube of a bird that had died from a balloon fragment. That moved me very much. My family and I had already cleaned beaches regularly and kept finding the remains of party balloons, which are very popular with us in Fiji. Many people focus on plastic and Styrofoam waste in the sea and forget that these balloons are also extremely dangerous for the environment. We then launched the “Say NO to Balloon Releasing” campaign.

What role do young people play in the environmental and climate debate?

Young activists are often not taken seriously. When we argue with facts and make concrete suggestions, we are sometimes seen as a threat or disrespectful to our parents and political leaders. Young people are also often attacked on social media when they speak openly about the climate crisis. This can lead to them no longer daring to express their opinions. That's why friends and I founded the "Young Eco Champs Initiative". It offers children and young people under the age of 18 a platform on which they can talk about various social issues. I want young people to be heard and learn to actively participate.

You criticize the distribution of government climate funds in your country.

When we visited the villages of Vatukarasa and Taveuni, which were particularly hard hit by Cyclone Winston, we asked whether the promised aid had arrived. According to residents, that was not the case. People need transparency. After all, it's about her life. At the same time, our political leaders talk about democracy and inclusion but exclude marginalized communities from important decisions. This is not acceptable. People must be able to bring their experiences and concerns into the political decision-making process.

This month the international climate conference COP 31 will take place in Turkey. Will you be there?

I've never been to a COP before and I can't leave this year either because I have to concentrate on the election campaign. But friends of mine have participated in previous COPs. They were surprised by the size of the delegation from Fiji, but it hardly achieved anything. The money to finance the delegation would have been better used for water tanks, solar panels and seeds.

I would like those responsible to think more about people again. We often get caught up in political strategies and economic interests and forget that our decisions affect the lives of future generations. Climate protection means protecting people and their environment. Our future depends on whether we act responsibly today. We need to hear the voices of affected communities, involve young people in decision-making and ensure that promised funding goes where it is needed. It's about ensuring that future generations can also lead a safe and sustainable life. Politicians think about the next elections, I think about the next generation.

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