Climate

Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation, advancing key Pacific regional priorities ahead of the UN conference, and opportunities to deepen collaboration on climate finance.

“The ocean is the heart of Micronesian identity, livelihood and future prosperity. It faces mounting pressure from climate change, sea level rise, pollution and unsustainable exploitation."

Palau's president said the nation needs "our ability to feed our people from healthy oceans, power our homes independently from distant fuel markets, and protect our shorelines from rising seas."

Palau President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. compared the situation of small island states facing climate change with that of nations at war.

Saipan and Tinian are the only islands assessed to be in severe drought conditions, according to a Mar. 7 statement from the National Weather Service-Guam (NWS Guam).

Palau has taken bold steps to take action on climate change. A new partnership for the nation established at COP29 aims to lead the charge toward a greener, more resilient future.

At the 9th Our Ocean Conference (OOC), the Republic of Nauru's Climate Change Minister, outlined an ambitious plan to relocate the majority of the nation's population from vulnerable coastal areas to higher ground.

A worsening drought is spreading across the Micronesian region.