PROTECTIONS AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING AND CLIMATE CHANGE UNDER THREAT FROM US FEDERAL FUNDING FREEZE
- Kyle Evans - ABC Pacific
- Feb 21
- 2 min read
Protections against drug trafficking and climate change could be under threat in the Pacific's freely associated states, as US president Donald Trump freezes and reshapes foreign aid to the region.
In the Marshall Islands, Marjuro's sole FBI agent has been sent packing, potentially hampering drug and corruption investigations.
Meanwhile funding for climate-related projects under the Compact of Free Association pacts might be re-directed to other areas.
Guam's former delegate to the US House or Representatives, Robert Underwood said even though COFA funding has been secured for the next 20 years, the US government could still re-direct the funds away from projects that don't align with its values.
'Even though the money has been approved, it still has to go through a process of sectoral grants, which is subject to a committee,' he said.
'How the new administration views these grants and their nature could be affected tremendously by the perspective of the new administration.'
Mr Underwood said Pacific states would have to revamp their language if they hope to secure climate-related funding.
'Climate change is no longer approved language, you have to come up with other things like climate resilience or projects of that nature. So the dialogue, the terms of the conversation has shifted dramatically,' he said.
Palau president Surangel Whipps jr said he hopes US president Donald Trump gives Pacific nations the opportunity to outline climate concerns.
'If he doesn't want to call it climate change lets call it natural disasters, but we do have challenges and we need partnerships,' he said.
コメント