Niue is a tiny place, with a population of only 1400 people – it's affectionately known as 'the rock of Polynesia'. It's pretty much the smallest country in the world. Like most Pacific Islands, it gets a lot of rubbish washing up on its shores, which the locals think is symbolic of how climate change is also 'washing up' shorelines around the Pacific. Like most Pacific peoples, they do so very little to contribute to climate change, but are at the frontline of the impacts from climate change, or as 350Niue organiser Ira Merrifield puts it, "Our Pacific Islands are fragile and we feel it."
"Here are some photos of the sign which my wife Ahi and I just made for the 10/10/10 event. The digits are made from jandal jetsam which was washed ashore on a beach near us. The framework for the large sculpture called “Protean Habitat” is now largely complete. This will be the basis for a project whereby in-organic refuge will be attached to it on an ongoing and community/visitor participation basis."
While this isn't necessarily reducing Niue's emissions (whose emissions are negligible anyway), it will serve as an important reminder to tourists and locals alike that our planet is precious, and we all have a part to play in keeping it alive and beautiful.
