Palau is a republic in the western Pacific comprising more than 300 islands, which, together with other small island states in the ocean, played a pivotal role in securing, in 2025, an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) — the UN’s highest court — that established that acting to safeguard the climate is an obligation for all states, at risk of committing “an internationally unlawful act.”
AFP: What could climate-damage reparations for Palau look like?
Surangel Whipps Jr., president of Palau: “We want the world to understand that the trajectory we are on is not viable and that bad decisions have consequences. We want people to change their behavior, make better choices for the planet and for those who live on it. And for that, sometimes you need to wield a big stick to bring everyone in line. That is what the ICJ represents.”
Could this lead countries to sue historians for the majority of warming historically caused by developed nations?
“If measures are not taken and if promises are not kept, this mechanism allows us to do just that: sue those countries in court to hold them accountable for their actions.”
“And we hope that it will drive the changes and the actions we need, backed by the funding required to meet the needs of those affected.”
The ICJ cites official apologies as a form of climate-damage reparations. Would you like to receive one?
“That matters, but what matters more than apologies is a change in behavior. What we want to see is a change in behavior and funding to address the needs. And apologies should accompany all of that.”
You stated that Palau has surpassed its peak oil consumption. How much money would it take for Palau to fully do without oil?
“For a bit of hydroelectric power, solar energy, and batteries, it would take about $500 million to free us completely from fossil fuels. That’s it.”
Are you really ready to go back to court (after the ICJ)?
“I hope we won’t have to return, that they will change their behavior and act accordingly. But we are ready to return to court, yes.”
