The Carteret Atoll is about 80 kilometres from Buka in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. The atoll communities live a low-carbon lifestyle and yet they are bearing the full force of climate change. Coral atolls are geologically dynamic, but extreme weather events consistent with climate change have been creating havoc. The Carterets have lost their staple food - the swamp taro ’ and their fresh water supplies have been inundated by king tides and sea surges. Food and water security are two key stressors for the islanders, apart from the frequent sea surges, which also destroy their bush huts and threaten lives. The Carteret Council of Elders has decided to start relocating and resettling families already facing severe hardships on the atoll to the mainland. They set up an organisation called Tulele Peisa, which means ‘sailing the winds on our ownŸ? in the local Halia language. Ursula Rakova, the spokesperson for the Carterets will share her experience of working with her community to adapt to hardships arising from the effects of climate change.

Ursula Rakova is amongst the most vocal leaders from the Pacific Islands on climate change. Born on the tiny islet of Han on the Carteret Atoll, she is carrying the burden of her people who are struggling to create a better future at the face of adversity. As a daughter of the matrilineal atoll community, she answered to her Elders’ call for action to set up Tulele Peisa in 2006. She is currently a Carteret spokesperson and the Executive Director of Tulele Peisa.

In 2008, Ursula received the Pride of PNG award for her contribution to the environment. Dame Kidu, a highly respected woman MP, said of the eight women who received the awards: ‘They are heroes who contributed to the development of PNG and we are honouring them for doing extraordinary work.Ÿ?