With American Samoa being a US territory and also a small island state in the Pacific, reaction from the territory to President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Change pact is of interest to the overseas media.
Pacific island leaders, including those affiliated with the United States have expressed disappointment at the US decision and have called on other international powers to forge ahead with the Paris Pact, despite US withdrawal.
KHJ News last week sought reaction from the administration however our email inquiry has not been answered by the Governor’s Office.
Congresswoman Aumua Amata issued a statement Saturday night on the President s decision and reaction from Pacific leaders.
She said, “I can understand the disappointment Pacific Islanders feel about the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Change Pact.
“I have friends and relatives on many Pacific islands, including low-lying atolls, such as the Marshall Islands, where I lived during part of my teenage years.
“I understand the genuine fear they have for the very existence of their country in the future.
The Republican congresswoman said, “The president has made clear that he believes there is global warming and that at least some of it is attributable to human activity but his objection to the Paris accord was a financial one.
“He does not believe that sending U.S. dollars to an international body is the best way to expend our resources.
“I was pleased that he committed to begin immediate negotiations for terms more favorable to the U.S. so the U.S. can rejoin the agreement.”
The congresswoman feels that the president’s pledge to work with Republicans and Democrats has been largely played down or overlooked entirely by the press.
She said she will encourage the President to consult with Republicans representing coastal states and territories and will encourage Democrats to respond favorably to Trump’s effort in his speech to reach out to them.
For her part, Congresswoman Aumua Amata said, ”I will work closely with my island colleagues across party lines to make sure our special situation of remoteness from the mainland and high vulnerability to sea-level rise are recognized and addressed in the negotiations.”
