Surangel Whipps Jr., President of Palau, invites President Trump to snorkel to witness firsthand the effects of climate change. He emphasizes the urgent need for climate action and the cost of inaction. Palau faces severe threats from rising sea levels and challenges due to US disengagement from international climate initiatives. The discussion also includes Palau’s stance against deep-sea mining, advocating for sustainable approaches to ensure future generations’ well-being.
Surangel Whipps Jr., President of Palau, invited US President Donald Trump to snorkel as a way to understand the severe impacts of climate change on vulnerable island nations. He emphasized the necessity of recognizing the long-term costs of inaction, predicting dire consequences for future generations. Whipps hopes to engage Trump in discussions about climate finance, stressing that the effects of climate change extend beyond Palau and affect the entire globe.
Palau, an archipelago with over 340 islands located east of the Philippines, faces significant threats from rising sea levels, with the potential loss of its atolls in the coming years. Whipps urged Trump to consider the future of his descendants when addressing climate issues, critiquing the US for its lack of action on climate change. He pointed out that even the US has low-lying regions that will be vulnerable to climate impacts.
Whipps noted that the withdrawal of the US from various climate initiatives and cutting international aid under Trump’s administration leaves Palau increasingly isolated, potentially ceding influence to China in the Pacific region. He emphasized that the current trend of US disengagement could undermine its leadership status, with China reportedly taking more robust actions on climate change.
Palau’s government, which maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, continues to face pressure from China, including tourism restrictions. Despite these challenges, Whipps reiterated that Palau’s policy would remain focused on maintaining peace and stability while benefiting from the US military presence under a Compact of Free Association, which allows Palau to receive budgetary support in exchange for defense responsibilities.
On deep-sea mining, Palau diverges from some Pacific nations that view this as an economic opportunity. Whipps argues that the science behind the environmental impacts of such activities remains insufficient and warns of the potential destruction of marine ecosystems. He urges a reevaluation of short-term gains versus the long-term consequences of environmental degradation. Whipps’ perspective highlights that urgent action against climate change is essential, especially as nations recover from COVID-19.
The President of Palau calls for urgent action on climate change, emphasizing the need for dialogue with global leaders like Trump. He stresses the importance of understanding climate impacts through firsthand experience, urging considerations for future generations. Palau’s unique geopolitical situation poses challenges, especially in balancing aid and influence from the US and China while addressing pressing environmental issues. The ongoing debate over deep-sea mining highlights the conflict between immediate economic needs and sustainable practices for future prosperity.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
