Former President Mohamed Nasheed, in his capacity as Secretary General of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), has invited U.S. President Donald Trump to visit the Maldives to observe the adverse effects of climate change, expressing regret over America's decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement.
Among the major decisions Trump made upon returning to power as America's 47th president last night was to withdraw again from the Paris Climate Agreement.
In a statement released by CVF, Nasheed welcomed the opportunity to work with the new U.S. administration while expressing regret over America's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.
According to Nasheed, the Paris Agreement, designed to reduce environmental damage caused by large nations, represented hope for small developing nations bearing the brunt of climate change impacts.
Nasheed stated that as the future of the most vulnerable countries faces increasing climate risks, this is the time for major nations like the United States to take leadership and set an example in changing the tide.
"I invite President Trump to visit my home country, the Maldives, to observe firsthand some of the challenges we face," Nasheed said, extending the invitation for Trump to visit the Maldives.
"I invite President Trump to reconsider this decision of his administration by witnessing firsthand the effects of rising sea levels, increasing temperatures, melting glaciers, and devastated farmlands."
Nasheed stated that all countries need to work together toward a common goal in fighting climate disasters. He also expressed confidence that the U.S. would rejoin the Paris Agreement.
In 2015, countries agreed in Paris, France, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to prevent global temperature rise.
Trump withdrew from that agreement during his first presidency, claiming it was designed to weaken the American economy. However, former President Joe Biden's administration reversed Trump's decision and rejoined the Paris Agreement in 2021.
After taking the presidential oath, Trump announced in his address to the nation his decision to withdraw from the agreement, which he said was biased and harmful to American businesses.