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By Rolynda Jonathan
The Republic of Palau currently lacks the policy to address local climate change issues or assist climate change victims.
During his weekly press conference, President Tommy Remengesau Jr. told OTV that a series of research studies are underway in hopes to put a policy in place. However, right now, link there is no assistance for victims who experience climate change related disasters.
Questions regarding assistance for small-scale disasters or climate related disasters surfaced following a record high tide and heavy rainfall that flooded and damaged homes.
Information gathered indicates that some or most families who experience such small-scale disasters have not received any type of assistance, however in one particular case, a family received assistance from the local Red Cross Society when his home was recently flooded.
This year, a series of climate change workshops and meetings were organized with aim to develop Palau’s first climate change framework.
It is not clear how soon will this policy be developed and when will it be implemented.
In the meantime, climate change impacts continue to affects lives in this small island state.