Toribiong in his speech before the Micronesian President’s Summit in Majuro this week that climate change fight cannot be won by the Pacific island nations alone but it should also be a fight of other nations.
“But the fight against the adverse consequences of the climate change cannot be won by just us, individually or collectively as micronesans. it requires international attention and cooperation, and on this front, we, the three micronesian nations should utilize our every effort to convince our friends and allies in the regional and international organizations join us in this historic campaign to foster the security of our people, indeed our very life,” Toribiong said in his speech.The president cited that Palau is still heavily rely on fossil fuel and have acquired very limited solar-energy based systems provided by allies such as Japan, Taiwan and the European Union.“Eventhough we contribute least to the global warming, which causes climate change and its adverse impacts, we must do every bit we can to combat the effects of the climate change. and even if our actions will have insignificant effect on climate change, our call for support and cooperation by the regional and international community will be heard if our call and our policies are consistent,” he added.He said that Pacific nations should pool their efforts and resources to adopt a policy that is realistic and long-term.He said although these efforts may not happen overnight- the transition to alternative or renewable energy, technical and financial assistance should be sought to move the nations towards this goal. “But we must now take affirmative action to move in that direction or our voice may not be heed by the international community. we must convince the international community to give their full support to the fight against the advers impacts of climate change,” Toribiong said.He is attending the summit for the first time along with the leaders from other Freely Associated States countries such as RMI, FSM.The summit is also joined by leaders of CNMI and Guam.
