Palau President Urges Trump to Understand Climate Change Through Snorkeling
Surangel Whipps Jr., President of Palau, invites U.S. President Trump to snorkel with him to experience the harsh realities of climate change firsthand. Whipps emphasizes the urgency of addressing rising sea levels and the threats to future generations. He also critiques the U.S. retreat from international climate leadership, warning that it may benefit China. Palau advocates against deep-sea mining while seeking urgent action against climate change.
In a recent interview, Surangel Whipps Jr., the President of Palau, urged U.S. President Donald Trump to join him in snorkeling to witness firsthand the detrimental effects of climate change. Whipps emphasized that understanding the slow devastation caused by rising sea levels is vital, stating, “I think it’s good if we go snorkeling and look at things.”
He articulated that the consequences of inaction are dire, warning that some of Palau’s atolls could be submerged soon. Whipps implored Trump to consider the impacts of climate change not only for current generations but also for future ones, urging him to reflect on “his children and his children’s children.”
Palau, an archipelago vulnerable to climate threats, has expressed concern over Trump’s dismissive stance on climate change, pointing out, “Everybody seems to be looking inwardly at their own pocketbooks… but even the United States has a lot of low-lying areas.” Despite its advocacy, the nation has faced repercussions from U.S. foreign aid cuts affecting environmental monitoring.
Notably, Whipps highlighted the geopolitical implications of U.S. climate policies, indicating that the retreat from international engagement would favor China. He stated, “If Trump is concerned about leadership, this is where he’s going to lose serious ground,” noting that China appears more proactive in addressing climate issues.
Palau maintains its diplomatic ties with Taiwan, resisting Chinese pressure, and is committed to a policy of peace and stability. The country has advocated for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, arguing that environmental data is insufficient to ensure safety. Whipps cautioned against short-term economic gains from such measures, asserting, “You may think you’re saving your people now, but you’re really destroying their future.”
With ongoing climate concerns, Palau and other vulnerable nations continue to seek support for transitioning away from fossil fuels. Whipps poignantly remarked, “When it was Covid everybody just mobilised… Climate change is like the slow death.” He emphasized the need for urgent action, relevant to today’s discussions on climate and future generations.
In summary, the engagement of Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr. with President Trump underscores the urgency of addressing climate change and its far-reaching impacts. By highlighting the perspectives of future generations and urging action over inaction, Whipps advocates for a unified global response to environmental challenges. His calls for dialogue and understanding reflect the necessity of collective efforts in combating climate change, particularly for vulnerable nations.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
