APIA/WELLINGTON, 17 JUNE 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC)—The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) says that El Niño has arrived in the Pacific Islands. An El Niño event occurs when the ocean becomes warmer than usual, affecting rainfall and wind patterns. SPREP, which is the region’s primary scientific organisation, says that sea surface temperature readings […]
Category: Pacific News
Posted inPacific News
Rising debt costs squeeze development funding: New UN report
NEW YORK/GENEVA, 17 JUNE 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE)—Rising borrowing costs are leaving many developing countries with less money to invest in schools, healthcare, infrastructure and climate action, according to a new report released on Tuesday by the UN trade agency, UNCTAD. Between 2018 and 2024, 99 developing countries, which are home to 5.5 billion people, […]
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Journalists hold key role
SUVA, 15 JUNE 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) says journalists remain central to strengthening accountability and exposing corruption across the Pacific. UNODC Head of Office and Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser Marie Pegie Cauchois said journalism played a vital role by highlighting regional progress while exposing ongoing challenges. “There […]
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Guam’s ocean research, reef protection programmes facing shutdown in FY2027
HAGATNA, 15 JUNE 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — Guam’s marine science and conservation initiatives are facing termination amid the Trump administration’s proposal to abolish dozens of research and grant programmes under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA’s proposed budget is cut by US$1 billion in fiscal 2027, leaving key environmental programmes on the chopping […]
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Goblin shark spotted for first time in its natural habitat — one of the deepest parts of the ocean
HONOLULU/NUKU’ALOFA, 15 JUNE 2026 (THE GUARDIAN) — Rare and eccentric-looking goblin sharks have been seen alive in their deep ocean habitat for the first time ever. Prof Alan Jamieson, director of the Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre, said goblin sharks were a bit like the colossal squid – creatures with an almost mythological quality. They were […]
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IPCC chief says 1.5°C threshold near as scientists push ahead with new Climate assessment
BONN, 11 JUNE 2026 (PACNEWS) — IPCC Chair Jim Skea has warned that the world is now approaching a point where exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius of global warming is “almost inevitable,” while outlining major scientific work underway for the Seventh Assessment cycle of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Addressing the 18th Meeting of […]