It would appear that Zeenia Dastur of the Green Climate Fund lives on a different island, perhaps planet, than most of us.

In their article in CI News Friday 6 June, page 5, they state “Cook Islanders have a close connection to their land and feel a sense of stewardship to protect it against the RAPIDLY changing climate” (emphasis mine).

It is then stated “However, extreme costal hazards are increasing, including rising sea levels, tropical cyclones and changing rainfall patterns, putting coastal communities and the livelihoods that depend on them at risk”.

No evidence is given for these statements. 

Let’s consider the three issues raised.

There is no discernible increase in the sea level around Rarotonga. Sometimes the tide is higher than usual, sometimes lower.  A few days ago, it was a very low tide. This is more dependent on the phase of the moon than any other factor.  In July 2022 we had very high seas on the Southern coast, which has happened from time to time over the years. The problem is that we have built both villas and swimming pools much closer to the water than earlier generations did (mainly tourism accommodation), therefore the damage is more.

Tropical cyclones have been happening forever. In recent memory, the larger ones to effect Rarotonga were cyclone Dolly about 1965, Sally in 1987, and five in 2005, starting with Meena. The larger ones to affect the Pa Enua were Martin 1997 and Pam 2010. In the next few years there will be another big one. But has there been an increase in them? Again, we have built closer to the sea, and in areas earlier generations knew not to build on. 

The lowest recorded pressure during a cyclone (worldwide) was during Typhoon Tip. It was the largest and most intense cyclone ever recorded. That was in 1979, some 46 years ago. One of these days there will be a bigger one, which will “prove” we are all doomed!

Is the rainfall pattern really changing? In general terms we have the wet season (December to March), and the dry season (September to November). Sometimes we have significant rain outside the wet season. The worst flooding in recent years for the Muri and Titikaveka areas was in May 1999.

In recent years there has been flooding in the Avatiu area. Yes, there was a lot of rain, but the flooding has probably been worsened by the number of buildings and concrete areas covering land that used to help the drainage, and not much attention being paid to keeping streams and culverts clean.

As far as I can remember, every October/November we have a water shortage, low pressure, no water to inland homes, and the grass turning brown.

There may be some gradual changing of the climate, but Zeenia Dastur is drawing a long bow to claim this is “rapid” change. Zeenia is invited to present some data and facts to support their claims.

In the meantime, the most crucial problem is ignored, as we eat and drink ourselves to an early grave.

Yours faithfully

Rarotonga Resident

(Name and address supplied)