Tony deBrum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tony deBrum
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| Minister of Finance | |
| In office 1998–2000 |
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| Preceded by | Ruben Zackhras |
| Succeeded by | Michael Konelios |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 26, 1945 Tuvalu |
| Died | August 22, 2017 (aged 72) Majuro, Marshall Islands |
| Nationality | Marshallese |
| Spouse | Rosalie Maddison deBrum |
| Children | Doreen Frances deBrum, Dolores deBrum, and Sallyann deBrum |
| Occupation | Minister • Activist • Ambassador |
| Awards | Right Livelihood Award |
Tony deBrum (also known as Anton deBrum) was an important politician and activist from the Marshall Islands. He was born on February 26, 1945, and passed away on August 22, 2017. He held many important jobs in his country's government, including being the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Finance.
Contents
A Life of Service
Tony deBrum was born in Tuvalu during the end of World War II. His family later moved to Likiep Atoll in the Marshall Islands. His father worked at the airport, and his mother was a teacher.
Witnessing History
When Tony was nine years old, he had an experience that changed his life. He was out fishing with his grandfather when he saw the sky turn "blood red." This was caused by the fallout from nuclear testing at Bikini Atoll. This event made him a strong voice against nuclear weapons.
He spent his life fighting for nuclear disarmament. In 2014, he tried to sue countries that have nuclear weapons. He believed these weapons were a "senseless threat" to everyone's survival. He also connected this issue to climate change. He felt it was wrong for people to leave their islands because of sea level rise, especially after dealing with nuclear fallout.
Education and Independence
Tony deBrum was one of the first people from the Marshall Islands to go to university. He studied at Chaminade University of Honolulu and the University of Hawaiʻi.
He played a big part in helping the Marshall Islands become independent from the United States. After independence, he served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs several times. He was also the Minister in Assistance to the President of Marshall Islands, which is like a top advisor to the president.
Fighting Climate Change
Tony deBrum was very passionate about fighting climate change. He attended many meetings and protests, including the People's Climate March in New York City in 2014.
In 2015, he helped create a special group called the High Ambition Coalition. This group included over 90 countries, both rich and developing. They worked together to push for a strong agreement at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference. This group was very important in getting the Paris Agreement signed. The agreement aims to limit the rise in global temperatures to 1.5 °C. Many people say Tony deBrum was key to making this happen.
"Mr. OTEC"
He was also a big supporter of a technology called ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). This technology uses the temperature difference in ocean water to create energy. He tried to get the US and Marshallese governments to build an OTEC power plant. Children on Kwajalein Atoll even nicknamed him "Mr. OTEC."
Awards and Recognition
In 2015, Tony deBrum received the Right Livelihood Award. This award recognized his "vision and courage" in taking legal action against nuclear powers. He was honored for trying to make them follow their promises to get rid of nuclear weapons.
Family Connections
Tony deBrum's niece, Tina Stege, is also a climate envoy for the Marshall Islands. She continues his important work on climate change.
