Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr. has invited U.S. President Donald Trump to snorkel together to better understand the effects of climate change. Whipps stresses the urgent nature of the threat posed by rising seas, particularly for vulnerable nations like Palau. He criticizes the U.S. withdrawal from major climate agreements and highlights the danger of deep-sea mining, urging a focus on sustainable practices for future generations.
The President of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr., has publicly invited U.S. President Donald Trump to join him in snorkeling to better understand the impacts of climate change on their environment. Whipps emphasized the urgent need to address climate change, stating, “The cost of not doing anything about it is going to be even worse.” He is eager to discuss financial support for climate initiatives with President Trump, urging him to consider the legacy he leaves for future generations.
Palau, an archipelago highly susceptible to rising sea levels, faces severe threats from climate change. Whipps warned that some of Palau’s atolls could vanish in the coming years, asserting that, “the threat is there for all of us.” He highlighted the importance of recognizing the broader implications of climate change, even for the United States, which has numerous low-lying regions at risk.
During an ocean summit in Tokyo, Whipps criticized the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and noted that China is currently taking more action on climate issues than the U.S., stating that this could diminish American leadership on the global stage. The Palauan government remains dedicated to maintaining its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan, despite pressures from China, and seeks to uphold peace and stability in the region.
Whipps is advocating for a moratorium on deep-sea mining due to environmental concerns, stating, “The science and the data are not there yet” to support such actions, which could harm marine ecosystems. He cautioned that while some Pacific nations view deep-sea mining as a temporary economic solution, it may ultimately threaten their future. Whipps calls for urgent action against climate change, highlighting the difference in global responses during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the slower recognition of the looming climate crisis, which he described as “a slow death.”
In summary, President Surangel Whipps Jr. of Palau urges U.S. President Donald Trump to experience firsthand the effects of climate change through snorkeling as a call to action. He emphasizes the immediate and long-term threats posed to climate-vulnerable nations and encourages thoughtful consideration of future generations. Additionally, Whipps highlights the necessity of collaborative international efforts to combat climate change and advocates against environmentally harmful practices such as deep-sea mining. This dialogue represents not only the challenges faced by Palau but also broader implications for global climate policy.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
