NEWS AND STORIES FROM AUSTRALIA AND THE PACIFIC

 In the Pacific, the climate crisis is not a distant threat, it is a lived reality, deeply entwined with questions of health, rights, and justice. Recognising and responding to these interconnections is essential to building resilient, inclusive futures.
​
We had the privilege of speaking with Climate Reality Leader, Youth Networker for the International Planned Parenthood Federation Sub-Regional Office for the Pacific (IPPF SROP), and advisor to Youth Oceans - Youth Oceanic Consortium for Engagement, Advocacy and Networking in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and Justice (SRHRJ), Jessica Work, about the critical role of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in climate justice and how Pacific youth are shaping responses that are grounded, strategic, and profoundly community led.

“After living for nearly 100 years on this planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea.” – David Attenborough

The ocean has been receiving growing attention recently, with David Attenborough’s new documentary and the third United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC 3) just around the corner.

It is hoped that the conference will result in the Nice Ocean Action Plan, setting out tangible actions to conserve and sustainably use the ocean into the future.

​“Science has shown us that there is no time for self-doubt. Today you are going to learn to harness your individual strength, as it will take all of us to find the solutions we need.” – Dr. Sivendra Michael, Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Fiji

In the Pacific, the climate crisis is not a distant threat—it’s a daily reality. Rising sea levels, widespread coral bleaching, and extreme weather events like Tropical Cyclones Rae and Seru in early 2025 are just a few examples. Yet, despite these challenges, the Pacific region continues to lead the world in climate action, resilience, and youth-driven advocacy.​

Climate activism requires ingenuity, creativity, persistence, resilience — and a degree of bravery. Last month, we were fortunate to meet and welcome one such individual into the Climate Reality Leadership network. AnneMary Raduva is a student, climate advocate, writer, and founder of the Young Eco-Champs Fiji and Stop Releasing Balloons campaigns.

​We recently had the opportunity to speak with her to find out more about her incredible initiatives and experiences, what inspires her and the challenges she has encountered. Please read on for more. 

​On your journey through the climate movement, you are bound to encounter people who inspire and challenge you in unexpected ways. Some bring fresh perspectives that help reframe old problems, while others motivate bold action. Climate Reality Leader Shruthi Vijaykumar is one of those people.

​An experienced coach, facilitator, and educator, Shruthi creates spaces where meaningful learning and collaboration can thrive. She’s committed to systems change, encouraging a shift from extractive ways of thinking to regenerative, nature-centred solutions.