Minister Oti Issues AOSISA Statement at the UN

Solomon Islands Foreign Minister, Patteson Oti, issues the Alliance of Small Islands Developing States (AOSIS) Press Statement at the United Nations.

Minister Oti informed international journalists on the threat of increased temperature and sea level rise to all Small Islands Developing Countries, in particular to Pacific Indian and Caribbean small countries.

His statement echoed concerns by small island states who, over the last 15 years, have repeatedly raised the alarm bells of global warming.

Minister Oti noted the importance of accessing finance and technology in advancing mitigation and adaptation country programme.

The Press Conference also informed the international community on AOSIS programme and expectation on events leading up to the Bali December Conference.

Minister Oti said the Solomon Islands and members of the Alliance of Small Island States faced a future of more violent storms, depleted fish stocks, bleached coral reefs and even total destruction if the world fails to deal with climate change.

Mr Oti said climate change is only the symptom, but the disease is the world's unsustainable means of production, worsened by unsustainable patterns of consumption.

The alliance comprises 37 UN members and six observers from all the oceans and major seas.

The group is meeting on the sidelines of a U.N. conference on climate change to raise awareness and funds for island states' plight.