Europa Newswire

Photos by Luiz Rampelotto

United Nations, February 03 2012

President Johnson Toribiong of Palau told journalists in New York today that actions by individual countries are not enough to “stem the rising tides or the flood of global emissions” and an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is an appropriate recourse.

Johnson Toribiong, President of Palau:
“The truth is that nothing we or other specific countries will do will stem the rising tides or the flood of global emissions. We need everyone to buy in or it won’t work. An ICJ advisory opinion will give us the guidance we need on what all states must do.”

The Pacific island nation of Palau announced plans in September to seek an advisory opinion from the Court on whether countries have a legal responsibility to ensure that any activities on their territory that emit greenhouse gases do not harm other states.

Johnson Toribiong, President of Palau:
“Whether it gets to the ICJ or not depends upon the momentum that this initiative will create, but I think in the process, we’d like to raise the consciousness of the world community to the issue of responsibility.”

Palau is one of several Pacific island countries that have repeatedly spoken out at the General Assembly about the impact of climate change, with rising sea levels resulting from the emissions of greenhouse gases threatening to swamp their islands.

Johnson Toribiong, President of Palau:
“Science is clear that the most vulnerable, like the small island states, are least responsible. It makes sense for those most vulnerable to look out for any possible solution, and in this case, having no other means other than to resort to the rule of law, I think it is in accordance to the spirit of the United Nations Charter.”

In recent years, rising tides have damaged coastal roads and affected crops, including taro, Palau’s staple food.

Source: UNIFEED