American President Joe Biden has promised Pacific Islands leaders that he will act on climate change warnings

Mr. Joe Biden addressed the Pacific Islands Forum, acknowledged the region’s warnings about climate change’s impact, and pledged his administration’s support in addressing the challenge.

Mr. Biden said his administrated has requested $200 million in new aid from Congress for improving infrastructure and preparing for climate and natural hazards in the area during the summit.

“I want you to know I hear you, the people in the United States and around the world hear you,” Mr. Biden told the leaders. “We hear your warnings of a rising sea and (that) they pose an existential threat to your nations. We hear your calls for reassurance that you never, never, never will lose your statehood, or membership of the U.N. as a result of a climate crisis. Today, the United States is making it clear that this is our position as well,” he said.

Pacific islands leaders gathered Monday for the start of a two-day Washington summit. Many have been critical of rich countries for not doing enough to control climate change despite being responsible for much of the problem, and for profiting from loans provided to vulnerable nations to mitigate the effects.