BY LORETTA B MANELE

The rate of sea level rise in Solomon Islands is one of the highest in the world and almost three times the global average and this is something that needs to be looked into says David Hiba Hiriasia, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology (MECMD).

The Meteorologist and Climate Scientist expressed this during a recent interview with local media.

“In terms of climate change, we have got some islands that are so badly affected by high levels of seas.

“We have one of the highest in the world. Our rate is almost three times the global average. So, it is something that we really need to look at,” he said.

Hiriasia stated that he understands that the current government has policies for relocation which sits with the Ministry of Lands.

He added that whether we relocate or whatnot, we have to look at the viable options we need to undertake to address the issue of sea level rise because sea level will continue to rise.

Moreover, Hiriasia mentioned that there is a new funding arrangement being discussed; loss and damage.

“These are some of the mechanisms that the government has to try and assist with,” he said.

Hiriasia added that it is something that should be tangible and that will really help people.

He said currently, people are probably aware of climate change funding.

“Currently, I think people are aware of the climate change funding. There is a lot of funding available.

In regards to this, he said there are things we can do to manage that such as prioritising where it is most vulnerable and what type of hazards are present in the vulnerable communities.

“And then do interventions where people really look at what benefits will happen,” he added.

Photo: Supplied

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