Cookie Control

This site uses cookies to store information on your computer.

Some cookies on this site are essential, and the site won't work as expected without them. These cookies are set when you submit a form, login or interact with the site by doing something that goes beyond clicking on simple links.

We also use some non-essential cookies to anonymously track visitors or enhance your experience of the site. If you're not happy with this, we won't set these cookies but some nice features of the site may be unavailable.

By using our site you accept the terms of our Privacy Policy.

(One cookie will be set to store your preference)
(Ticking this sets a cookie to hide this popup if you then hit close. This will not store any personal information)

"New Zealand Judge Rejects Climate Refugee Plea"

"WELLINGTON, New Zealand — A New Zealand judge on Tuesday rejected a Kiribati man’s claim that he should be granted refugee status because of climate change."



"Ioane Teitiota and his wife moved to New Zealand from the low-lying Pacific island nation in 2007. He argued that rising sea levels make it too dangerous for him and his family to return to Kiribati.

Immigration authorities twice rejected his claims, so he appealed to the High Court.

In his decision, Judge John Priestley said Teitiota did not fit the definition of a refugee under international guidelines because he was not being directly persecuted."

The Associated Press had the story November 26, 2013.

SEE ALSO:

"Kiribati Island: Sinking Into the Sea?" (BBC News)

"Kiribati: Island Nation Deals With the Consequences of Climate Change" (Marketplace)

"Judge’s Decision "Flawed" in Kiribati Climate Change Case" (Radio New Zealand International)

"Global Warming Threatens Pacific Economies, Report Says" (Wall St. Journal)

Source: AP, 11/27/2013