Former Foreign Minister Bob Carr travelled to Kiribati for the first time in February 2013 where he gained first-hand experience of the country’s climate challenges. On average, Kiribati’s islands are just two to three metres above sea level, making the country extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change and storm surges. Australia is supporting coastal protection in Kiribati both through planting mangroves and building sea walls. Senator Carr is pictured planting Mangroves with Mrs Nenenteiti Ruatu, Acting Director of Environment, Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development. Mrs Ruatu is an Australia Award recipient and holds a Masters Degree in Environment (Climate Change) from Griffith University. Photo: Aretitea Teeta, AusAID