Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape has voiced strong criticism of global climate summits, labeling them as “long on talk and short on action.” Despite his frustrations, Marape will attend the upcoming UN climate summit in Brazil, marking a significant shift from his absence last year. In the United States, a federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to provide full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, amidst ongoing political controversies.

Papua New Guinea's Climate Summit Participation
Prime Minister Marape announced that he will participate in the annual UN climate summit, which is set to begin in Belém, Brazil, on November 10. He previously opted out of the 2024 summit in protest against major nations for not adequately supporting climate change victims. Marape expressed optimism about “encouraging signs” from developed nations regarding climate finance, which influenced his decision to attend this year’s conference. He emphasized that Papua New Guinea, a nation significantly affected by climate change, aims to advocate for its landowners and highlight its role as both a victim and a provider of climate solutions.

Criticism of Developed Nations
Marape's remarks reflect a broader frustration shared by many small island nations regarding the effectiveness of climate summits. He criticized large emitters for failing to take meaningful action, reiterating the urgency of addressing climate change, which poses existential threats to his country. UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed this sentiment, warning that failing to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius would result in severe humanitarian consequences.

U.S. Political Developments
In the United States, a federal judge in Rhode Island ordered the Trump administration to disburse the full monthly SNAP benefits to states within 24 hours. This ruling comes amid a government shutdown that has now reached 37 days, with former President Donald Trump urging GOP lawmakers to eliminate the filibuster to expedite legislative processes. The Senate recently voted against a bipartisan resolution that sought to limit military actions against Venezuela without congressional authorization.

Trump's International Relations
In other political developments, Trump announced that Kazakhstan will sign the Abraham Accords to normalize relations with Israel, a move he touted as a major step for peace, despite Kazakhstan already having diplomatic ties with Israel since 1992. Furthermore, Trump claimed to have secured a significant trade and economic deal with Uzbekistan, showcasing his administration's ongoing engagement with international partners.

Wrap-up
As Papua New Guinea prepares to voice its climate concerns at the upcoming summit, the juxtaposition of U.S. political turmoil highlights the complexities of global cooperation on pressing issues. Marape's attendance at the climate summit signifies a renewed commitment to advocate for vulnerable nations, while the U.S. navigates its own internal challenges.

Sources
theguardian.com
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team