SUVA, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said on Tuesday that his government will soon launch a national environment hotline for the public to call and report any environmental threats.
Speaking at the Climate National Day with the theme of "Keep 1.5 Alive" in Fijian capital city of Suva, Bainimarama said it is important for Fijians to take more interest in building resilience and reducing carbon emissions.
Bainimarama, also president of the 23rd Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP23), said people should dispose their rubbish properly and avoid using plastic products that can make its way into rivers and oceans in the Pacific.
He called on people to report those who damage the environment, adding that "the onus is on all of us to take responsibility for the quality of our surroundings and this hotline will be an important way in which we can hold those who behave irresponsibly to account."
Protecting the environment by not polluting the ocean and coral reefs so they have a better chance of coping with changing temperatures and acidity was vital, he said.
"Turn off the lights and the TV when you leave a room. Walk or ride a bicycle rather than take a bus or car. Or share a ride with friends rather than travel alone," he said.
"Restore and protect our mangroves and finally, spread the word. Talk about climate change with your family and friends and mobilize your community to take action."
Bainimarama added that regardless of the respective political affiliations in Fiji, the climate fight was something that united all races in the island nation.
Various schools within the Suva area along with climate and disaster agencies were part of the event on Tuesday.
