Persistent organic pollution assessment : Samoa

Abstract

Climate change is one of the most serious threats to sustainable development and to the very survival of Pacific Island Countries and communities. In 2007 the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders reiterated their deep concern over this serious and growing threat to the economic, social and environmental well being of Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs),their communities, peoples and cultures. They have been calling on the international community to take conceited action to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere since 1990. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 4th Assessment Report shows unequivocally that climate change is occurring and that it is very likely caused by human actions. Adaptation to climate change is now an inevitable requirement, as the Earth begins responding to greenhouse gases already emitted. In this regard the Leaders recognised the special concerns and interests of the small low lying island countries on the adverse implications of climate change, in particular sea level rise. The Leaders welcomed the guidance from the IPCC that it is physically and economically feasible to miti gate climate change and that with concerted international support, adaptation can also succeed. Conversely, without serious action, the global economy and the fragile resources of the Pacific will be severely affected.