Can you cut 1 Tonne of carbon pollution out of your life?
Take the challengeOlympic Athlete David Katoatau has taken to the world stage to demonstrate the plight of his country of Kiribati as rising sea levels threaten to destroy it. Despite only placing 6th in the Olympic Weightlifting competition, the athlete performed this dance in Rio to bring attention to the World the implications of climate change.
"I want people to know more about us so I use weightlifting, and my dancing, to show the world." Katoatau explains, "I wrote an open letter to the world last year to tell people about all the homes lost to rising sea levels. I don't know how many years it will be before it sinks".
Katoatau performs this dance to bring the plight of his country to a global audience. The message behind this dance is sinister in it's reality; that of decreased sanitation, soil erosion and contaminated drinking water due to rising sea levels.
Kiribati is only 3 meters above sea level and it's one of 33 pacific islands that are being eroded and submerged by rapidly rising sea levels. It has been estimated by experts that sea levels may rise more than 3 feet by 2100, however rising water have already invaded people's homes. This has lead to overcrowding in slum like conditions as citizens flee further inland
Whole communities have been relocated as the islands are affected by huge storms and rising sea waters. Katoatau's own home has been destroyed by climate change induced storms. Without drastic action, it is estimated that in 30 years, Kiribati will be uninhabitable. In fact, the country's President Anote Tong has gone as far as to purchase land on Fiji, and introduce up skilling programs so that if his people do have to relocate they can do so with dignity. With 11 of the 15 largest capital cities lying on coastlines, Kiribati won't be the only country affected by climate change.
Citizen's of Kiribati watch rising waters approach their homes.
As Australia is the biggest producer of Co2 per capita and the world's largest coal exporter, it is imperative that we do all that we can to decrease our carbon emissions. The reality is that our neighboring islands have to suffer for our over production. Climate change is happening and it is our responsibility to future generations that we do all that we can to stop it. Without us reducing our Co2 emissions, we could be facing the world first climate change induced mass migration.
This inspiring weight lifter shows us how we, as individuals, can help combat climate change and make a difference. Make the pledge now and join One Million Women. Add your own voice to David's dance moves.
Make changes to reduce your carbon footprint. Organise your own dance against climate change. Plant trees, and turn off power points when not in use. Write letters to the government demanding we reduce our co2 emissions, stop using plastic and invest in clean energy. Organise or participate in a peaceful march against Co2 emissions. Participate and facilitate discussions with friends to raise further awareness. We need to act now!
Read more about our own experience with this amazing Nation:
Images courtesy of Telegraph UK and foto esporte
Read next: Climate Change Is front And Centre At Rio Olympics
1 Million Women is more than our name, it's our goal! We're building a movement of strong, inspirational women acting on climate change by leading low-carbon lives. To make sure that our message has an impact, we need more women adding their voice. We need to be louder. Joining us online means your voice and actions can be counted. We need you.
