COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515

STATEMENT OF

THE HONORABLE ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA

CHAIRMAN

before the

SUBCOMMITTEE ON ASIA, THE PACIFIC, AND THE

GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT

Climate Change and Vulnerable Societies: A Post-Bali Overview

February 27, 2008

In December of last year, I intended the UN Climate Change Conference held in Bali. Negotiations at the conference were regarded as a necessary step forward for the world community given that the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012.

However, negotiations prove, and continue to be, a challenge especially considering that it remains difficult for the United States, developing countries which are major emitters, and parties to the Kyoto Protocol to reach agreement on the nature of commitments.

Put another way, divisions remain between developed and developing countries and the U.S., whose role is critical, continues to reject mandatory reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Also, Australia announced at the Bali conference that it will sign the Kyoto Protocol making the U.S. the only country that has not. Being the only country that has not signed the Protocol, how can the U.S. advance international cooperation on climate change?

What steps should the U.S. take in response to the conference held in Bali? Should the U.S. engage the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)? The Alliance of Small Island States, as described on the SIDS website, is “a coalition of small island and low lying coastal countries that share similar development challenges and concerns about the environment, especially their vulnerability to the adverse effects of global climate change. It functions primarily as an ad hoc lobby and negotiating voice for small island developing states (SIDS) within the United Nations system.”

During my attendance at the Bali conference, I met with leaders of the Small Island States and I am pleased that the Permanent Representatives and Charge d’affaires to the UN of Samoa, Fiji, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Nauru will brief our subcommittee today. Their testimony will be made part of the official record and will be included in our Congressional archives. To my knowledge, this is the first time in the history of our subcommittee that we have received testimony from our Pacific Island leaders to the UN and, as a fellow Pacific Islander, I am honored by their participation. As a result of their participation in this historic hearing, I am hopeful that the U.S. and the UN can find ways to work together to protect our Small Island States, which are most vulnerable to climate change.

According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), four key points of negotiation were outlined in the Bali road map including 1) mitigation of climate; 2) adaptation to impacts of climate change; 3) financial assistance issues; and 4) technology development and transfer. Thus far, no legally binding commitments are in place and each point will require future negotiations.

However, in closing, I want to note the Vatican’s efforts to mitigate climate change. In April 2007, the Vatican held a conference at which time Pope Benedict made a statement that resonates with me. He said that it is important to “respect creation” while “focusing on the needs of sustainable development.” Respect for creation is what Polynesians and Small Island States do best as we have always relied on the goodness of God for water, food, and life. Certainly, the world could benefit from the truths we hold, and from Pope Benedict’s counsel regarding climate change. In fact, until respect for creation becomes the premise of our road map, I do not believe we will be successful in protecting our environment for our children, their children, and others to come throughout all generations of time.

This is why I urge the world community, even if we cannot agree on points one through four, to put aside our differences and respect creation. Anything less will lead to an unacceptable outcome.

Now it is my pleasure to welcome our witnesses. I look forward to their testimony and note that Ambassador Stuart Beck, Palau’s Permanent Representative to the UN, has asked that his statement be included for the record, as has OxFam.