by Martin de Jong, Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Against a
backdrop of severe drought across the central Pacific, Caritas
Oceania representatives from eight different nations gathered in
Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand earlier this month for their
annual forum. About 25 people attended the week-long event,
including representatives from Caritas Internationalis, and
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) – Asia. Many of the states
represented, such as Tonga and Kiribati, are among the most
vulnerable to climate change due to their low-lying nature or
vulnerable shorelines. A closing statement from the forum said
its members stand ‘in solidarity with the poor and marginalized
of the region. We are particularly concerned by the impact of
climate change in our area.’ The group heard from New Zealand
climate scientist Professor Martin Manning. ‘We keep seeing
surprises,’ he said and some changes in climate and impact were
happening faster than scientists’ predictions. Those present
spoke of changes they have seen in recent