PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare expresses his disappointment and dismay at the recent announcement by the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, on the intention of the United States to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.

To date, 195 countries have signed the Paris Agreement and 146 have ratified it.

Solomon Islands stands in solidarity with the international community in reaffirming its commitment to the agreement.

“Solomon Islands is located in a climate change hotspot where the impact is three times the global average.

“We have lost five islands and continue to deal with relocated populations due to sea level rise and natural disasters.

“As a Small Islands Developing State and a Least Developed Country, we do not have the luxury to watch narrow interests get in the way of global action on climate change.

“We call on our good friend the United States to reconsider its decision as our lives and the future of our nations depend on our action today to bring climate change under control.

“History will judge us harshly for our inaction.

“Climate change is a global issue that needs global action now.

“The Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals remain our last chance in creating a sustainable future for our people and humanity.

“We must not allow the Paris Agreement to fail.

“Solomon Islands hopes the science of climate change will guide the United States’ policy on climate change.

“Collective action to restore the health of our planet is a noble cause that no one should be a spectator,” Prime Minister Sogavare said in a statement as he prepares to depart Brisbane, Australia for New York, USA for UN Peacebuilding engagements.

–OPMC PRESS