Online video plea

PARIS – Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dame Meg Taylor has called on world leaders meeting in Paris to protect the Pacific region.

In a video, Taylor said world leaders needed to act now to protect the Pacific region and the ocean it depended on.

A statement from the Pacific islands Forum Secretariat revealed the video was watched more than 17,000 times in less than 24 hours, illustrating the power of social media to amplify Pacific voices during the Paris-based climate change negotiations.

“The video and other messages from the Pacific are being promoted across social media using the common hashtag #4PacIslands.

“The one-minute video includes striking images of hope, beauty and resilience from around the region. It also includes a strong call to action.”

Taylor used the video to remind world leaders of the vital connections between the ocean and climate.

“The ocean, climate and weather are all linked. The impacts of climate change on our ocean are already being felt by many of us.”

The clip also delivers a powerful positive message stating the determination of Pacific Islanders to do all it can to save the ocean and communities dependent on it.

“We are strong and we will not give up on our ocean, our homes or our future,” Taylor said.

- Pacific Scoop