Palau is grateful for Australia’s partnership with the island nation on various regional issues, including climate change and renewable energy, but it urges Australia to do more to curb global emissions.
President Whipps was in Sydney last week to promote smart energy initiatives and support Australia’s bid to host COP 31.
“Pacific nations remain determined leaders in climate action. Palau is committed to achieving 100 percent truly clean, renewable energy by 2032,” he stated during his address to Pacific leaders at the Lowy Institute last week.
Whipps emphasized that Palau’s goals are supported by its partnership with Australia and expressed their determination to combat the climate crisis with Australia by their side.
However, he once again urged developed nations like Australia and the United States to consider the unique vulnerabilities of small-island developing states like Palau.
“Australia is not just a neighbor; it is family. However, it is also one of the largest contributors to global emissions through fossil fuel exports,” he remarked, noting that Australia accounts for approximately 4.5 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions.
He pointed out that the Pacific, despite contributing only one percent of global emissions, faces the “dire consequences” of the climate crisis.
“We urge Australia to demonstrate solidarity and responsibility by phasing out coal and gas production.”
Whipps fully supports Australia’s bid to host COP 31.
“I am here to say that the Pacific supports Australia’s bid as the largest island to host COP 31 together,” he said.
“Hosting COP 31 as a Pacific COP is an investment in regional resilience and prosperity, which will showcase innovative solutions emerging from our blue Pacific-led approaches.”
“We must act boldly today for ourselves, our children, and future generations to reverse the trajectory—or, as I like to say, to turn the boat around on climate change—before it’s too late.”
He also praised Australia for supporting Palau’s initiatives in ocean protection, health, renewable energy, and tourism.
“The establishment of the Australian Embassy in Palau in 2019 marked a significant step forward in our bilateral relations, enhancing our ability to collaborate on shared priorities, such as natural disasters, human rights, health, education, and security,” he added.
Palau will host the Pacific Islands Forum in 2026; the last time it hosted this forum was in 2016. (By: Bernadette Carreon)