Palau President Invites Trump to Snorkel and Understand Climate Change

Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. urges U.S. President Trump to snorkel with him to observe the impacts of climate change firsthand. He warns about rising sea levels threatening Palau and stresses the necessity for urgent climate action and financial support for affected countries. Whipps also critiques deep-sea mining and emphasizes long-term thinking for future generations.

Surangel Whipps Jr., the president of Palau, a climate-vulnerable archipelago, has extended an invitation to U.S. President Donald Trump to join him for snorkeling. This experience, he believes, would illustrate the severe impact of climate change, which he describes as leading to the “slow death” of the environment. Whipps emphasized, “The cost of not doing anything about it (climate change), it’s going to be even worse,” highlighting the need for urgent action to address climate issues.

Whipps pointed out Palau’s susceptibility to rising sea levels, with potential loss of atolls in the near future, urging the U.S. president to contemplate the future prosperity of subsequent generations. He noted, “I hope I can talk to President Trump on the finance side,” suggesting a need for dialogue about financial support for climate initiatives.

Palau has historically been a strong ally of the U.S., but it has faced negative repercussions from Trump’s reduction of international aid, specifically with ocean monitoring programs. Whipps expressed concern that this retreat could allow China to expand its global influence. He remarked, “If Trump is concerned about leadership, this is where he’s going to lose serious ground,” commending China’s current climate efforts compared to those of the U.S.

Under a “Compact of Free Association,” Palau, which gained independence in 1994, allows US military use of its territory in exchange for significant financial aid and defense support. Whipps criticized the potential for deep-sea mining, advocating for a moratorium, as these actions could jeopardize marine ecosystems crucial for climate regulation. He cautioned against short-sighted economic strategies, stating, “You may think you’re saving your people now, but you’re really destroying their future.”

Palau’s leadership has consistently called for a faster transition from fossil fuels and emphasized the need for financial assistance for nations heavily impacted by climate change. Whipps poignantly remarked, “Climate change is like the slow death,” in contrast to the urgent response mobilized during the COVID-19 pandemic. He urged Trump to consider the legacy for future generations, noting, “I think when you put in that perspective then it’s easy.”

In conclusion, President Surangel Whipps Jr. of Palau calls for urgent attention to climate change, inviting President Trump to snorkel as a means to witness its effects firsthand. He underscores the global implications of inaction and the necessity for financial support for vulnerable nations. As a steadfast ally to the U.S., Palau advocates for responsible environmental policies while warning against the retreat that may cede ground to rival powers. Whipps emphasizes the importance of prioritizing future generations in climate discussions.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr