Palau President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. addressed the United Nations General Assembly last week, comparing the situation of small island states facing climate change with that of nations at war.
“Our shores are being invaded by seawater. Our homes are being blown away by storms. Our roads are being washed away by torrential rain. Our reefs are overheating. Our fish are disappearing. And our land is on fire. This is our daily battle,” he said.
Whipps praised Australia’s leadership in setting emission reduction targets and supporting Pacific Island countries in accelerating energy transition.
He also urged other world leaders to be guided by science before embracing seabed mining.
“If we rush forward without understanding the consequences, we risk inflicting irreparable harm. The loss of biodiversity, the release of carbon, damage to the water column, and the destruction of fisheries that sustain our people is unfathomable,” he said.
He also raised the issue of Taiwan, stating that the People’s Republic of China “continues to claim that Taiwan is part of the PRC, which results in the silencing of 23 million voices and keeping Taiwan from fully participating in the UN system and contributing to the world. Palau believes that inclusivity strengthens the United Nations, and that no community should be barred from contributing to the solutions our world so desperately needs.”
Whipps’ address came as the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary.
