Island Nations Battling Global Warming Issue Urgent Call to Action at the United Nations
Gathering at the United Nations General Assembly, leaders of small island states stated that the climate crisis threatens their existence and called on industrialized countries to reduce carbon emissions.
Speaking at the 81st UN General Assembly session, leaders of small island states pointed out that rising sea levels and climate change pose a danger of destroying their cultures, lands, and sovereignty, and demanded urgent global action.
The Situation of Helen Reef
Palau President Surangel Samuel Whipps Jr. stated that two-thirds of Helen Reef in his country has disappeared due to rising ocean waters linked to climate change.
UN General Assembly Summit
Gathering at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, leaders of small island states raised a joint voice against growing climate threats and warned the world.
Paris Agreement Goal
Small island nations had exerted intense efforts for the adoption of the 2015 Paris climate agreement, which set the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Compensation and Responsibility
Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine emphasized that major industrial nations caused climate change and expressed that small island communities deserve compensation.
Protection of Sovereign Rights
The United Nations adopted a new resolution aimed at protecting the sovereignty and maritime rights of small island states regardless of rising sea levels.