Vanuatu’s plea to World Leaders: Stop fossil fuel extraction, fund climate recovery

Stanley Ihedigbo

ActionAid Vanuatu’s Country Manager, Flora Vano, testified remotely to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), sharing a heart-wrenching account of climate change’s impact on Vanuatu.

“Climate change has shattered our lives,” she said. “It’s stolen our livelihoods, our food, and our peace. Our waters are poisoned, our lands barren.”

Vano emphasized the disproportionate burden on women and children, who walk miles for clean water, and the perpetual state of preparation and recovery that has become a grim reality for Vanuatu.

She urged world leaders to stop fossil fuel extraction, take responsibility for pollution, and provide grants for adaptation, mitigation, and recovery.