The Pacific Adventist University (PAU) became the first tertiary institution in the country to conduct an awareness visit to the Office of Climate Change and Environment Sustainability (OCCES) yesterday (Wednesday 17th May, 2009).

At least 12-first year Education students majoring in Geography along with their lecturer Jones Taos met with OCCES Director – Climate Change Joe Pokana and Executive Manager for Climate Impacts and Adaptation, John Mosoro.

The meeting saw presentations on key information about the establishment of the Office, and more importantly, about the effects of climate change as well as the business of carbon trade.

The two-and-a-half-hour meeting also involved the viewing of two video documenatary programs, including the recently launched Sinking Manus DVD produced by NBC’s National Television Service network KUNDU 2.

At the conclusion of the meeting, PAU lecturer Mr. Taos commented that the University is now starting to recognize climate change as a critical issue by planning to include an Environmental Science Course next year.

He also said plans were in progress to take on intellectuals to assess contents of courses related to climate and environment to fully prepare “future leaders” in addressing this rising issue of climate change.