Bernard Kato Ewekia Taomia
Activism comes out of a place of love for his family and future generations. Growing up in Tuvalu, Bernard saw his home as paradise - a place to live an easy, happy life. Understanding and experiencing the effects of climate change has changed this safe haven to a place of uncertainty and change. Life has become harder, a matter of survival, with the likelihood of Tuvalu sinking in the near future. Bernard has made a pledge to help his island however he can.
“My people are warriors; we’ve been hit by a multitude of disasters and many of our fellow citizens have consequently passed away. Yet, giving up is not an option for us. However, this is a crisis that cannot be solved by Tuvalu alone as climate change is caused by and affects all of us. The sinking of Tuvalu is a real-life example that climate change is here and has been for over decades. Thus, if nothing is done collectively, my country will cease to exist, and our islands will be swallowed by the sea.
This would not only be a loss of the islands themselves but also be a great blow to our culture and identity. Our islands are incredibly important to us, and our connection to them is part of what makes us unique as Tuvaluans. Our native language, our customs, our history will all be erased.”
Climate change is not an educational topic for Tuvalu but a survival issue and Bernard knows that he must fight with passion and determination to get any help they can.
“We are drowning and there will not be any of us left. This is a call to action; start small and grow big.
Save Tuvalu, save the world.”