Taufu’i ‘Ae Valu Naufahu has been a dedicated member of 350 Tonga, a 350 local group, since 2010. Over the years, he has organized activist networks, direct actions, and political advocacy – both locally and internationally – to defend the Pacific islands and the future of his people. For him, climate action is not just about survival – it’s about belonging.
“I have a daughter who’s turning nine this year. I want to secure a safe and protected future for her, my nieces and my nephews. I look for solutions to stop the climate crisis, because this may be the only way that they will be able to experience our islands along with the nature, traditions, and community as I did when I was young”.
Taufu’i ‘Ae was instrumental in shaping and leading the “Our Pawa” campaign. As a part of the Council of Elders from Polynesia, he helped craft 350 Pacific’s strategic plans. During the PIFL meeting in Tonga in August, he organized events to engage civil society and the youth movement, ensuring their voices were part of critical climate discussions.
The Pacific is on the frontlines of the climate crisis – rising seas, stronger hurricanes, homes and livelihoods lost, entire communities at risk. Yet, activists like Taufu’i ‘Ae stand as beacons of hope and power in the fight for climate justice. Now, he focuses on empowering youth to take climate action, believing that intergenerational collaboration is the key to a just and livable future:
“My generation knows that for the Pacific to survive, we need to end the age of fossil fuels. But we don’t just want to survive, we want the next generations to thrive! That means securing access to safe, affordable and renewable energy. The youth are the islands of the future. They should and will lead the way – and I am ready to stand beside them as new leadership rises.”
In the coming years, Taufu’i ‘Ae plans to train and mentor high school students in Tonga, equipping them with the tools to push for renewables. With his deep connections and lifelong experience as a climate activist, he aims to amplify their vision for a locally-led energy transition, ensuring national policies reflect the needs and voices of communities – from the ground up.
This is a story from 350.org’s 2024 Annual Report