Apia, SAMOA – October 13, 2020: 9.15am (SPREP): Climate change experts and those who wish to learn from them will be gathering online at the third Pacific Ocean Climate Change Conference from 27–30 October 2020. Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington and the National University of Samoa (NUS) are working with the Secretariat of the […]
La Niña Officially Declared In The Pacific
Apia, SAMOA – October 9, 2020 (SPREP): La Niña is officially underway in the Pacific, as confirmed by the Pacific Meteorological Desk Partnership at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). La Niña is a Spanish term which means “a girl”, and is the name given to the phenomenon where the trade winds become […]
Tonga targets 70% renewable energy by 2030, with solar energy as the main driver
Nuku’alofa – September 29, 2020: 2.05pm (MEIDECC): Tonga will continue the efforts to have renewable energy providing 70 percent of the country’s power supply needs, with solar power being an important part of that investment, the Regional Committee for the Asia and Pacific Region of the International Solar Alliance has been told. Hon Poasi Mataele […]
Ocean is important for Tonga, PM tells UN
Nuku’alofa – September 28, 2020: 11.20am (MEIDECC): The ocean and its marine environment is important for Tonga, Prime Minister Rev Dr Tu’i’onetoa told the General Debate at the Seventy-fifth Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, September 25. He said Tonga continues to recognize the importance of the ocean-climate nexus, and further continues […]
Tonga reviews NDCs as Climate Change threats continue
Nuku’alofa – September 28, 2020: 11am (MEIDECC): Tonga is reviewing her Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in the face of continuing Climate Change threats, Prime Minister Rev Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa told the General Debate at the Seventy-fifth Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, September 25. In a pre-recorded statement Hon Dr Tu’i’onetoa said […]
Prime Minister shares Tonga’s sympathy with UN member states
Nuku’alofa – September 28, 2020: 10.55am (MEIDECC): Tonga stands in solidarity with all United Nations member states who have been affected by the global outbreak of COVID-19, resulting in the loss of lives and loved ones, Prime Minister Rev Hon Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa told the 75th Sessions of the United Nations General Assembly on September […]
Climate Change week in Tonga
Nuku’alofa – September 22, 20202: 9.15am (Enviro News): Climate Change Week is being celebrated in Tonga this week. And the Department of Environment is also involved with tree planting, coastal clean up and exhibition. Teams from the department are working throughout the week with the Climate Change team and partners from the communities. Monday saw […]
Ha’atafu beachfront damage still visible
Nuku’alofa – September 10, 2020: 9.10am (Enviro News): Damage caused by Cyclone Harold along the Ha’atafu beachfront are still visible. Although nature has slowly started to regrow there is alot that still needs to be done. The beachfront is a possible ‘beachfront monitoring site’ that is being looked at by the Department of Environment and […]
Navutoka coastline face daily threats
Nuku’alofa – September 9, 2020: 10.05am (Enviro News): Daily threats, both natural and man made, continue to drastically affect the coastline between the villages of Navutoka and Makaunga on the East of Tongatapu. Rising sea level, natural hazards such as cyclones and storm surges plus the man-made threat of trashing by those who use the […]
Whales’ take to the Tongan seas
Nuku’alofa – September 7, 2020: 1.35pm (Enviro News): The whales have been taking to Tonga’s seas over the last month, entertaining all those who have been out to take a glimpse at them. Members of the Marine Team here at the Environment Department have been out on a few trips to monitor what is happening […]