A woman looking into the distance, with greenery in the background.

Miriam in Tarawa, Kiribati. Credit: Aimee Han/Oxfam

Stories of hope

Combatting the climate crisis in Kiribati

People should be able to live free from the fear of the climate crisis. But for Kiribati, an island country in the Pacific Ocean, rising sea levels are a serious threat.

Miriam’s story from the frontlines

“

Growing up, I witnessed the devastating impact of the crisis firsthand.”

Miriam, Kiribati

"We’ve had cases where our fishermen go out fishing and don’t return because of how unpredictable the ocean has become. The fish have also fled to deeper waters.

"The island sits just 1.5 metres above sea level, which makes us especially vulnerable to the climate crisis."

Credit: Aimee Han/Oxfam

A woman crouching on a sandy beach by the water’s edge, looking out to sea.

Miriam looking out to see in Tarawa, Kiribati

"My experiences motivated me to work at the Kiribati Climate Action Network (KiriCAN), where I am able to amplify community voices, strengthen resilience and advocate for climate action.

"With the support of Oxfam in the Pacific and other partners, KiriCAN has delivered powerful solutions. In 2025 alone, we installed 10,000-litre water tanks in high schools, built hydroponic systems to help grow fresh produce without soil and planted over 6,000 mangroves to protect our coastlines. We have also taught young women traditional methods of dry-preserving fish, and trained young people to preserve and convert coconut sap into sugar syrup."

Credit: Aimee Han/Oxfam

KiriCAN have planted over 6,000 mangroves to protect Kiribati’s coastlines.

“

I don’t think of funding to address climate change as ‘charity’: it’s a responsibility.”

Miriam, Kiribati

"Without climate finance, there is no climate justice. In the face of climate challenges, Kiribati’s communities are determined to act.

Through practical solutions, local knowledge and the support of partners, we are working to protect our people, our islands and our future."

Oxfam acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).