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EPA Climate Conference June 22-25 on Saipan

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): June 4, 2009 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a four-day conference on climate change next month on Saipan, according to an EPA press release.

Environmental officials and representatives from the United States, the Northern Marianas, Guam, American Samoa, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and other countries in the Pacific are expected to attend the conference, to be held June 22 to 25 at the Saipan World Resort. The theme of the conference is "Climate of Change: Energizing a Sustainable Future for Pacific Islands."

The agenda will include:

• CNMI Energy Summit and alternative energy options for the islands,

• Adapting to climate change impacts;

• Increasing sustainable and green infrastructure efforts;

• Tips for increasing community and non-governmental activities to protect the environment;

• Success stories on improving the environment in the Pacific;

• Water and wastewater infrastructure issues;

• The latest efforts to address solid waste and recycling in the Pacific; and

• Protecting coral reefs.

"The sessions will discuss efforts toward making a difference in protecting the island environments and will provide island leaders with the latest ideas and tools on preserving fragile ecosystems," said John McCarroll, manager of the U.S. EPA Pacific Southwest Region's Pacific Islands Office.

Mr. Joe Kono from the Office of Environment and Emergency Management will be representing the FSM at the meeting.