'We show up': Pacific leaders apply pressure at oceans summit

Nowhere is humanity's exploitation of the oceans more starkly illustrated than the Pacific Ocean, where small island nations are fighting to outlast a crisis not of their making.

The islands are besieged by rising seas and worsening storms, their coastlines choked in plastic, fishing waters plundered and coral reefs bleached and barren.

But they refuse to be victims, pouring whatever resources they can into protecting the seas that sustain their people -- and calling out those not doing their share.

This week, Pacific leaders have made some of the boldest commitments

at the UN Ocean Conference, challenging wealthier nations to up their game. Read more:

Pacific Island nations are at grave risk from rising sea levels and increasingly violent storms caused by climate change. © Giff JOHNSON / AFP