by Ednal Palmer
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump dismissing climate change as “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world” represent the American leader’s personal opinion.
Speaking at a press conference in Honiara yesterday, Prime Minister Manele said while he respects President Trump’s right to express his views, the reality of climate change is evident across Solomon Islands and the wider Pacific region.
“That’s his view,” Manele said. “But signs are very clear, and we respect his view. Our people and our communities experience the serious impacts of climate change. It is real. We will continue to work with other Island States to progress work on climate action.”
President Trump made the controversial comments during his address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last week, rejecting the global scientific consensus on climate change. He told delegates that climate change was a “green scam” driven by “stupid people” whose policies “cost their countries fortunes.”
The remarks drew criticism from climate advocates and many world leaders attending the assembly, who reaffirmed their commitment to addressing global warming and transitioning toward renewable energy.
As Chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Prime Minister Manele used his address at the UNGA to call for urgent, bold, and cooperative global action to combat climate change, emphasizing its disproportionate impact on Pacific Island nations.
Manele underscored the findings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion, which outlines states’ legal obligations to prevent and mitigate climate harm. He also urged major emitters to accelerate emission reductions and called for increased climate finance, resilient infrastructure investments, and support for initiatives such as the Pacific Resilience Facility.
“The science is clear, and so are the impacts on our people,” Manele said in his UN speech. “We must act collectively and responsibly to ensure a sustainable and secure future for all.”
President Trump has long been a critic of climate science and policies promoting a transition to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. His latest remarks mark a renewed rejection of multilateral climate action, placing him at odds with the international community and Pacific nations on the front lines of the crisis.
