CAPTION: Alex found large parts of the island of Wallande had been washed away between 2002 and 2016
Devon Film Maker’s Disappearing Islands Footage Shows Realities of Climate Change For Cop26
A Devon film maker is hoping to raise awareness during COP26 of the visible impact of climate change in the Pacific.
Alex Leger, from Topsham, was a producer and film maker for Blue Peter for 36 years.
He now makes films for the Melanesian Mission, a Christian charity based in East Devon which is linked to the Diocese of Exeter and supports a range of projects in the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia.
Alex Leger filming in the Solomon Islands
Alex’s before and after footage of “disappearing islands” affected by rising sea-levels are a stark reminder of the realities of climate change in some of the world’s poorest areas.
Alex said “In 2002, I produced two programmes about the Solomon Islands for Blue Peter and filmed on an artificial island called Wallande, with a population of just over 1000.
“In 2016 I returned to film the same island on behalf of the Melanesian Mission. The island had been all but washed away. There were just four inhabitants left.
“I hope the images in my films will show the reality of climate change in a way that perhaps words cannot.”
Alex added, ““Very many of the smaller islands are being lost to the waves and the inhabitants struggle to find somewhere else to live.
“Their voice will not be heard at COP26 loudly even though they are greatly affected by rising sea levels.”
Alex has now re-edited his films with new drone footage in the light of Cop26.
Executive Officer of the Melanesian Mission, Katie Drew said: “We all hear about climate change, and in my village in Feniton I have seen flooding events, but when you see whole communities washed away, homes, schools, churches, crops and livelihoods lost, it is devastating.
“People in the pacific have contributed the least to climate change but are suffering the most.
“Our films show many communities are struggling to adapt to these changes, with limited relocation options, resources or support.”
