Palau’s president, Surangel Whipps Jr., invites Trump to snorkel to witness climate change’s effects directly. He warns of the dire implications of inaction, stressing the need for financial support and the dangers of prioritizing short-term economic gains like deep-sea mining. Whipps urges leaders to consider long-term impacts on future generations in the fight against climate change.
Surangel Whipps Jr., the president of climate-vulnerable Palau, has proposed that U.S. President Donald Trump join him for snorkeling to witness firsthand the detrimental effects of climate change. Whipps emphasizes the urgency of addressing climate change, stating, “The cost of not doing anything… it’s going to be even worse.” He aims to discuss financial support regarding climate change with Trump.
Palau, an archipelago of 340 islands east of the Philippines, faces severe threats from rising sea levels, with some atolls expected to drown in the coming years. Whipps warns that this issue extends beyond Palau, urging Trump to consider future generations: “Think about his children and his children’s children.”
Trump has previously dismissed climate change as a scam and withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, affecting international climate initiatives. Whipps pointed out that while countries focus on their interests, even the U.S. has vulnerable regions to climate impacts.
At an ocean summit in Tokyo, Whipps expressed concern over the U.S. administration’s reduction of international aid, which has paused essential ocean monitoring projects, warning that these moves risk allowing China to assert more influence globally. He mentioned, “China is actually doing more for climate change… than probably the U.S.”
Staying resilient despite China’s pressures, Palau maintains its diplomatic ties with Taiwan and aims for peace. The strategic Compact of Free Association allows U.S. military access while providing significant financial support to Palau.
On the topic of deep-sea mining, which Palau opposes, Whipps argued that the science surrounding its environmental impacts is insufficient. He insists that the rush to exploit resources for immediate economic gain could compromise the future, stating, “You may think you’re saving your people now, but you’re really destroying their future.”
Long advocating for more decisive climate action, Palau reiterates the need for a swift transition from fossil fuels. Whipps drew a parallel with the COVID-19 response, saying, “Climate change is like the slow death… President Trump should also be thinking about his children and his children’s children.”
Palau’s president, Surangel Whipps Jr., is calling for urgent attention to climate change through direct engagement with U.S. President Trump. He emphasizes the immediate need for climate action over short-term economic strategies like deep-sea mining, which he warns could jeopardize future generations. Whipps highlights the broader implications of climate inaction, urging leaders to think about environmental sustainability for the sake of their descendants.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
