Fiji, May 3 -- On this World Press Freedom Day, the Palau Media Council stands firmly with journalists around the globe. The theme, 'A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis,' is especially relevant to our island nation.

The climate crisis is an important story in the country and the Pacific region. Palau, with approximately 1,500km of coastline, is highly vulnerable to extreme high tides, coastal erosion, and sea-level rise.

This year Palau faces an increase in drought and storm activity, sea-surface temperature, and coral bleaching, all of which are related to climate change. A free press is vital to informing our communities about the environmental challenges we face and holding all accountable for p...