Furthermore, Trump's executive order terminates the U.S. international climate finance program, which is vital for supporting small Pacific island states in their resilience and adaptation efforts.

Loughman expressed particular concern over the loss of climate finance, which is crucial for projects aimed at protecting vulnerable ecosystems.

George Carter from the Australian National University noted that while most climate finance in the Pacific comes from Australia, Japan, and the EU, U.S. support has also been significant.

Former New Zealand Minister Aupito William Sio warned that the U.S. withdrawal from global leadership could create an opportunity for China to increase its influence in the region.

Loughman cautioned that the U.S. exit could set a troubling precedent regarding accountability for wealthy nations that contribute to global warming.

The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, aims to limit global warming to below 1.5°C or well below 2°C by the end of the century, making participation from major economies like the U.S. essential.

In response to the U.S. decision, Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated that Pacific nations would need to reassess their positions while prioritizing U.S. interests.

The Pacific Islands Forum, which includes 18 Pacific states, has previously declared climate change as the greatest threat to their people.

This announcement came shortly after 2024 was confirmed as the hottest year on record, with temperatures exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Despite contributing only 0.02% of global emissions, Pacific nations are facing severe consequences from climate change, including extreme weather events and rising sea levels.

Vanuatu's Attorney General Arnold Loughman has criticized the United States for its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, labeling it a significant setback for global climate action.

This decision has raised concerns in the Pacific region, where communities are already grappling with the impacts of climate change, such as intense storms and rising sea levels.