By Pita Ligaiula in Honiara, Solomon Islands
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr says the International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on climate change must lead to accountability for major emitters and real action for vulnerable nations.
“Advisory opinion equals accountability and action,” Whipps said at a side event on the ICJ ruling during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara.
He said the opinion gives small island nations leverage to push for fairness in global climate policy.
“Now we can hold nations accountable, which includes us. We contribute the least, but we are doing the most to keep our oceans clean, our forests healthy, and to transition. With this ruling, the world must also be accountable,” Whipps said.
He stressed that resources for adaptation and mitigation remain out of reach for many Pacific countries.
“It’s hard for us to access them. Hopefully this provides a platform so that people who need it most can finally get support,” he said.
Whipps added that the ultimate goal is behaviour change at both state and individual levels.
“What we want to see is nations change behaviours, people change behaviours, so we can all stay where we are and continue to live like we have for thousands of years,” he said.
