It's a massive task, but we need to take the first step. Equity and justice 'We make no apology for the fact that we are driven by our fears and concerns for the safety and survival of our islands and communities. However, we believe very deeply that there is a fundamental question of equity and justice at stake. This is an issue not of our making. It cannot be too late, and we cannot lose hope.
Survival is the strongest human instinct.
Remember also that this is a global long-term problem, not just a small islands issue. While islands are the first, others will be visited, perhaps with even more severe consequences, especially for the larger more populous developing countries. By their combined power humans have altered, and continue to alter the global environment. Tuiloma Neroni Slade is Ambassador of Samoa to the United States of America and Permanent Representative at the United Nations.