THE Archbishop of York has called for more action to tackle climate change, during a visit to Samoa ,Tonga and Fiji.

Dr John Sentamu is leading a series of leadership reflections on climate change, at the invitation of the Most Revd Dr Winston Halapua, the Archbishop of Polynesia. He set off for the Pacific on July 27 and will return on August 14.

He is also due to give a public lecture at the Anglican Cathedral of the Diocese of Polynesia in Suva on Climate Change on Wednesday.

The Pacific island states are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The Archbishop’s visit comes ahead of the Paris summit in December, when 196 countries are expected to sign a new climate change agreement.

The Archbishop said: “Climate change affects everyone: agriculture, tourism, fisheries, water, health and wellbeing. The skills and capabilities of local populations, national governmental authorities and regional organisations must act to ameliorate the effects of climate change. I am delighted to join Archbishop Winston Halapua for this Diocesan visit.”

Archbishop Winston Halapua said: “We are greatly looking forward to welcoming the Archbishop and Mrs Margaret Sentamu in Fiji, Samoa, and the Kingdom of Tonga.

"This will be the first time that the Archbishop of York has come to this corner of the Earth and our nations will be blessed by their enrichment and encouragement in our common mission. One of the global issues which is impacting our region requiring a clear voice from the Church is the issue of climate change and sea-level rising.”

York Press:

Dr Sentamu with a village leader in Poutasi

During the visit, Dr Sentamu is also addressing young people on Pangaimotu Island, attend youth mission events at Suva and Ovalau, visit the Pacific Theological College and the Pacific Regional Seminary, and bless a new school building in Samoa, in the presence of Samoa’s Prime Minster, Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi.

He has also visited Poutasi Village, extensively damaged by a tsunami in 2009.

His wife Margaret is addressing the Anglican Association of Women in Fiji, meeting young mothers, visiting the House of Sarah, a Diocesan initiative focused on combatting Domestic Violence, and addressing a ministry training group.

She is also accompany the Archbishop on his visit to the Sisters of the Community of the Sacred Name where they are meeting with children of St Christopher’s Home in Naulu.