Home / Environment / US Quits Climate Body: Pacific Nations Warn of Formal Process
US Quits Climate Body: Pacific Nations Warn of Formal Process
8 Jan
Summary
- US plans to withdraw from the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
- SPREP supports low-lying island states facing rising sea levels due to climate change.
- Pacific nations suggest US withdrawal could reduce its regional influence.
The United States has declared its intention to withdraw from the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), an organization dedicated to environmental protection in the Pacific. SPREP plays a crucial role in assisting low-lying island states that face existential threats from rising sea levels, a direct consequence of climate change. The organization also focuses on pollution reduction and disaster preparedness across its member nations.
SPREP's director-general, Sefanaia Nawadra, emphasized that the U.S. must follow a formal process to exit the organization, which it has supported with funding and technical expertise. While acknowledging other partners would help sustain operations, Nawadra noted the full impact of the U.S. withdrawal remains to be determined. SPREP's annual budget is primarily supported by donor countries including Australia, Britain, New Zealand, France, and the U.S., with additional contributions from China.
