The President of the Marshall Islands Hilda Heine has described the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement as disappointing and confusing for those that support US leadership.
The low-lying island group is a republic in free association with the US and has been at the forefront of Pacific island countries' efforts to draw attention to the impact of climate change.
Hilda Heine, President of the Marshall Islands, addresses the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York on September 22, 2016. Photo: DOMINICK REUTER / AFP
Dr Heine said today's decision would have grave impacts but it was not too late to act.
Dr Heine said her country reaffirmed its strong commitment to swiftly implement the agreement and she called on others to do the same.
She said the Marshall Islands' commitment to the Paris Agreement would never waiver.
"We must not give up hope. Our children and their children deserve not only to survive , they deserve to thrive," said Hilda Heine.