Will we accept climate refugees here

DEAR News Of The Area,

WE have had correspondence recently regarding the validity of sea levels recordings and interpretations, and whether the levels are actually rising.

Decades ago scientists realised that the countries closest to the equator would be more heavily affected by Climate Change, and this included rising sea levels.

Can I appeal to those who doubt or misunderstand the data to listen to the people from countries such as Kiribati, as well as those living on our Torres Strait islands, who know that they are losing their land.

Last year my husband and I were privileged to visit some of these islands and I particularly recall the conversation with an Elder on Badu Island who showed us places where, for generations, they’d been able to grow food and can no longer do so because of the rising seas.

A place where they used to regularly gather for festivities and market days which is now under water at high tide.

We are warned that there will be climate refugees.

Are we prepared to accept them here?

Regards,

Barbara Lyle,

Tea Gardens.