Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. has invited U.S. President Donald Trump to snorkel, emphasizing the grave effects of climate change. He expressed concern over the U.S. retreat from climate initiatives and urged a focus on the long-term consequences of inaction for future generations. Whipps also cautioned against deep-sea mining, advocating for a careful approach to protect marine ecosystems in the face of economic challenges.
The President of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr., recently extended an invitation to U.S. President Donald Trump to join him in snorkeling, in an effort to illustrate the dire consequences of climate change. Whipps emphasizes that witnessing the effects of climate change firsthand would serve as an educational opportunity, stating, “I think it’s good if we go snorkeling and look at things,” highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Whipps articulated the economic ramifications of inaction on climate issues, asserting, “The cost of not doing anything about it (climate change), it’s going to be even worse… we need to look at it in those terms.” As a vulnerable island nation, Palau faces significant threats from rising sea levels, with some of its atolls at risk of disappearing. He urged President Trump to consider the impact of climate change on future generations, stating that the urgency of the matter transcends political borders.
Despite being a staunch ally of the United States, Palau has felt the repercussions of reduced international aid under the Trump administration. Whipps expressed concern that the U.S. withdrawal from climate initiatives might allow China to gain a more pronounced leadership role in the international climate dialogue, noting, “China is actually doing more for climate change these days than probably the U.S.”
Whipps advocated for a pause on deep-sea mining activities, cautioning against the potential ecological damage they may cause. While some Pacific nations see this as a potential economic benefit, he asserted that such short-term thinking could threaten the long-term survival of future generations, stating, “You may think you’re saving your people now, but you’re really destroying their future.”
Highlighting the need for a global commitment to combat climate change, Whipps underscored the disproportionate impact on climate-vulnerable nations. He urged for a swifter transition from fossil fuels and the mobilization of financial resources for affected countries, reinforcing that climate change represents a gradual but severe threat, akin to a “slow death.”
In summary, President Surangel Whipps Jr. of Palau issued a compelling invitation to U.S. President Donald Trump to snorkel together, enabling Trump to understand the realities of climate change. With Palau’s vulnerability to rising sea levels and the associated risks of inaction, Whipps articulated the importance of recognizing the long-term implications of climate decisions on future generations. He also raised concerns about the implications of the U.S.’s retreat from international climate commitments, stressing the urgent need for global cooperation in addressing climate change and preventing environmental degradation.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
