NEWS AND STORIES FROM AUSTRALIA AND THE PACIFIC

Pacific Island nations, including Fiji, while bearing the brunt of the climate crisis, have long been recognised as global leaders in sustainable practices.

This leadership is visible from the community level through to the business sector, including tourism.

From phasing out single-use plastics and implementing large-scale renewable energy projects, to coral planting, reef restoration and educational initiatives, the progress is both comprehensive and inspiring.

Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, with frontline communities including in Fiji experiencing the harshest and most disproportionate impacts of the crisis. We had the privilege of speaking with Jasnita Ali, a Climate Reality Leader, about her journey from growing up in Ba, Fiji, to becoming an advocate for climate action. 

In our conversation, Jasnita shares what inspired her, how leadership training transformed her approach, the projects she is working on, and her advice to young people aspiring to make a difference.

Farming and climate change are closely intertwined. Our land, animals, and communities are extremely vulnerable to climate extremes, but agriculture can also be a powerful agent of change and part of the solution.

​We had the absolute privilege of speaking with Anika Molesworth, Climate Reality Leader, farmer, board director, researcher, speaker, and author of Our Sunburnt Country. ​Recognised as the 2015 Young Farmer of the Year and a 2017 NSW Finalist for Young Australian of the Year, Anika brings a unique perspective shaped by both hands-on farming and national advocacy.

 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.
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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. 

We recently had the opportunity to chat to HY William Chan, Sydney’s youngest-ever elected city councillor with the Lord Mayor’s government chairing environment and climate change, transport, heritage and planning. He is also Head of Delegation to the UN Conference of the Parties, Co-Founder of Climate Action Week Sydney, and a dedicated Climate Reality Leader.

As a forward-thinking urbanist and futurist, William brings his expertise in architecture and urban planning to tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time—social inclusion and climate resilience within urban environments. 

In business, sustainability is increasingly recognised as a key factor for long-term success. Companies that incorporate sustainable practices into their core strategies not only contribute to a systemic transition toward true net zero emissions, but also unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation. However, the process of embedding sustainability into business operations can be complex and requires a strategic approach.​

​We recently spoke with Climate Reality Leader Lee Stewart, who shared insights from his upcoming book and his extensive experience in the field.