![Geographical isolation has helped protect the Pacific Islands from the coronavirus, and governments also closed borders to keep visitors out, recognising the risk the disease poses to their communities [File: Fazry Ismail/EPA]](/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/6a57014c8e0b4fc89c1ac4288cd8c2cf_18.jpeg?resize=570%2C380)
People in the island nations have some of world’s highest rates of diabetes and obesity, and health systems are weak.
Kiribati
From New York to Istanbul, young activists abandon school to demand immediate action on climate change.
![Taiwan said on Friday that Kiribati's decision to switch its allegiance to China was 'deeply regrettable' [File: Nicky Park/EPA]](/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/edacb4b8f94b4913b008f0343651e9ae_18.jpeg?resize=570%2C380)
China ‘appreciates’ the decision by the tiny Pacific island nation to resume diplomatic ties with Beijing.
Sydney put on its biggest-ever fireworks display, kicking off a wave of celebrations for billions around the world.
![A sign showing the melting of the Arctic in recent years during a protest to demand for climate action in Sydney [File: Daniel Munoz/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/05f8fee821e442beb75666c454bb7108_18.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
What are greenhouse gases, and why it matters if their levels increase.
![Men in a dingy ask to be pulled back to the break wall by young people swimming in the Betio jetty during the late afternoon [Conor Ashleigh/Al Jazeera]](/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/46e35cefc198439c86c5ff1f8127f8c6_18.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
Far from being victims of climate change, the inhabitants of Kiribati are fighting back with resilience and tenacity.
![Maori and Pacific students in New Zealand face systemic racism in universities [Getty Images]](/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/2014212143525844580_20.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
Current student support initiatives do not address experiences of colonisation and racialisation in universities.
At least five people killed after 8.0-earthquake struck near Santa Cruz islands, triggering warnings across Pacific.
![Only 34 countries have not already pronounced themselves in favour of Palestine's state status [AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/2013115144246198734_20.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
Semantic acceptance of the term ‘State of Palestine’ is of fundamental importance to the peace process, writes author.
![The UN General Assembly voted 138-9 to upgrade the Palestinian status to a non-member state [EPA]](/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/201212216383436734_20.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
Despite the nine countries that voted “no” against Palestine in the UN, it is clear the majority of the world disagrees.
![New evidence points to the possibility that Amelia Earhart and her navigator lived on an island as castaways [AP]](/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/20127361238241734_20.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
Some researchers believe the famous aviator died as a castaway after her plane crashed near a remote Pacific island.
Call comes after Turkey expelled Israeli envoys in protest against Tel Aviv’s refusal to apologise for deadly ship raid.
South Pacific island nation will move a day forward to bring clocks closer to major trading partners such as Australia.
Celebrations spread from East to West, with balloons clouding the air in Tokyo and fireworks lighting up London.