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This is an educational audio presentation by Dr. Patrick Nunn of the University of the South Pacific’s Geography Department. In it, he explains the fundamentals of the greenhouse effect—how greenhouse gases like CO₂ trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere—and outlines its critical role in moderating global temperatures. Dr. Nunn connects this science to the Pacific context, discussing the region’s vulnerability to rising temperatures, sea-level rise, and changing weather patterns. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the greenhouse effect for local climate adaptation strategies and policy planning across Pacific Island nations, drawing on research and climate modeling relevant to the South Pacific.

The Cook Islands are leading efforts to reduce plastic pollution, as reported to the second session of a UN commission on plastic waste. Since 2012, they’ve enforced single-use plastic bans and promoted zero-waste strategies. They joined 12 other Pacific nations in advocating for a strong, legally binding global plastics treaty. Domestically, the Cook Islands are drafting new laws to ban items like plastic straws and polystyrene containers and will introduce disposal fees to reduce waste. They also received $3 million in international funding to develop circular economy solutions such as reuse and eco-design.

The Cook Islands' environment is fragile and is being severely tested by pressures of development growth and a concentrated population. We are seeing impacts of climate change further eroding the state of our environment.