9 December 2019, Madrid, Spain - In this series, we will be introducing you to some of our Pacific island negotiators and delegates, who are the people representing our islands at the Climate Change negotiations now underway.
The Twenty-fifth Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP25) is hosted in Madrid, Spain from 2 – 13 December, 2019.
Pacific negotiators and delegates have been working in the rooms amplifying our Pacific voice and our Pacific asks. We hope you enjoy this series getting to know more of our Pacific Island negotiators and delegates.
Name: Ms Clemencia Sioneholo
Country: Niue
Q: How did you come to be working in the space of climate change for your country?
A: I currently work for the Niue Met Service, which is the science space within climate change. I learned from the data we get where we can see over a timespan the actual changes in our climate. As science people, we cannot take any actions without going to our policy makers, and try and make them understand how climate change is affecting us through the science.
Q: What issues are you following, or most interested in at this year’s COP?
A: The issue I’m most interested in this year research systematic observations and I’m interested in that area as it is very important for us in science and at the moment we don’t have sufficient data in our area especially as it focuses on the ocean and we have little to no data or any technology that is currently monitoring our oceans. Just in 2015 we just got our first tide gauge but it’s still not enough technology to provide information for our nation and also for the region.
Q: What advice would you have for other young Pacific women who are looking to pursue a career in this line of work?
A. My advice would be to not only listen, but to step forward, speak up and make yourself heard.