Episode 26 - Pacific Island Students Fight for Climate Justice with Solomon Yeo

Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change: Advocating for Climate Justice and Human Rights - Solomon Yeo (campaign director)

Solomon Yeo, a law student from the Solomon Islands, is the campaign director of Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change. His passion for addressing climate change and inequality stems from the devastating effects of climate change that he witnessed firsthand in his home country. He recognized the urgent need to take action and dedicated himself to advocating for climate justice.

As one of the founding members of Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change, Solomon plays a crucial role in leading the charge towards a better future for our planet. His responsibilities include coordinating and organizing campaigns, building partnerships with local leaders and organizations, and advocating for climate justice on a global level.

Currently, the organization is seeking an advisory opinion on climate change from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Solomon provides updates on the progress of the campaign and highlights the importance of including human rights with climate action.

Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change has a youth-centric approach, recognizing the critical role that young people play in shaping the future. Solomon discusses how the organization educates and involves youth in their campaigns and initiatives, empowering them to make meaningful contributions towards tackling the pressing issues of our time.

Despite the successes of the organization, they face significant challenges in bringing about meaningful change. Solomon shares some of the obstacles they have overcome and how young people can help overcome them. He also discusses the organization's collaborations with other groups and stakeholders and how young people can be a part of this movement.

Throughout the episode, Solomon emphasizes the impact and effectiveness of young people's involvement and contributions, discussing key metrics and indicators used to track the success of their campaigns and initiatives.

On February 20, 2023, Vanuatu, along with 17 other core group members, uploaded the final draft resolution requesting an advisory opinion on climate change from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) onto the UN's e-delegate portal. High-ambition climate-leading states can now co-sponsor the resolution immediately through their UN Permanent Representatives. The resolution will remain open for co-sponsorship until its adoption by the General Assembly, expected in late March or early April 2023. Widespread co-sponsorship will send a strong and unambiguous signal that nations are united in their commitment to abide by existing climate obligations under international law and to successful international climate cooperation. The text of the resolution is publicly available at bit.ly/413ZlS1 and is open for co-sponsorship now.

Special Thanks To: 

Host: Saiya McElderry for conducting and hosting the show with Solomon Yeo

Audio production: Chun Chia Tai 

Production Manager - Dr. Meré Tari Sovick

Song: Climate Change ICJ Theme Song: The song highlighting Vanuatu's initiative to ask the International Court of Justice to deliver an Advisory Opinion on the obligations of States under international law to prevent significant harm to human rights and the environment. www.VanuatuICJ.com