Indonesia Considering Renting Islands To Climate Refugees As Oceans Rise - Radio Australia

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HOLLAND: The impact of rising sea levels is already well known to many Pacific Islanders. The Global Humanitarian Forum's report says more than half the region's population lives within 1.5 kilometres of the shore and people are already leaving Tuvalu for Zealand. Damien Lawson, National Climate Justice Co-ordinator for Friends of the Earth Australia, says the human cost will rise with the seas.

LAWSON: And that's why people like this in the Caterarts are leaving and that's only the beginning of climate change this century.

HOLLAND: The Solomon Islands has felt the devastation of rising sea levels and storm surges. The tsunami that struck the region in 2007 has left a lasting reminder. And Solomon Islands Permanent Secretary of Home Affairs, Mr Fred Fakari, says his country's government is keenly aware of the issue.

FAKARI: The problem also effects those living on the main islands but to get new land to accommodate these people, the government has to acquire new land.

HOLLAND: And Indonesia may have the solution. The country's Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry has suggested renting some of its uninhabited islands to those whose islands are being inundated by the ocean.


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http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/pacbeat/stories/200906/s2588395.htm