Climate Change Adaptation, Disaster Risk Reduction & Education Programme

Ambassador: Yolanda Joab , Micronesia

Yolanda helps Pacific Island communities to adapt to climate change and the erosion of their land due to rising sea levels. She co-leads the programme which ranges from a small six school pilot project in just one island to a robust 50 school program across eight islands in two different countries. Through this programme over 10,000 students have been taught about climate change and adaptation. Dozens of communities in all the islands are empowered to take matters into their own hands and develop their own community action plans. Sea walls have been erected in the islands of Kosrae and Pohnpei, rainwater harvesting systems installed in various schools; Solar panels installed into schools; and clean water and sanitation is being rejuvenated at one of the most under-served schools in Chuuk. In addition coastal clean-up and pandanus planting (coastal protection) along 11 km of coastline in Pohnpei, two seawalls erected at two schools in coastal areas in Pohnpei and Kosrae have been carried out. All these activities are conducted in respect of the traditions of the local community and its peoples.

Having spoken at One Young World in 2016 her YouTube video received thousands of views gave Yolanda a platform to reach out to her nations leaders and secure participation at COP22 with her President’s delegation. Together, represented Small Island Nations which was previously unprecedented for Micronesia.