President Obama warned on Thursday that despite his efforts to reduce the effects of climate change, it’s “not going to come to an immediate stop”.
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On Thursday, Obama would travel to Midway Atoll, located within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, where he would share how important it is now become to protect public lands and waters owing to climate change.
The World War Two Battle of Midway, one of the most-studied battles in military history, tipped the balance of the U.S fight against the Japanese navy. The White House says he plans to spend the afternoon touring the island, getting briefed by conservation officials and interacting with the wildlife. Therefore, it would not be wrong to state that Obama is leading the world in marine conservation. With Obama’s move, the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument spans 582,578 square miles – roughly four times the size of California and an expansion from its original size by around 442,760 square miles. “So this is a hallowed site, and it deserves to be treated that way, and from now on, it will be preserved for future generations”. Driving on a golf cart past dilapidated buildings left over from World War II, Obama said protecting the atoll and its surroundings was critical to ensuring delicate ecosystems survive the throes of global warming.
Asked on Midway whether he would focus on tackling climate change as part of his work after he leaves office in January, Obama said he may try to influence Republican politicians who deny the phenomenon. The world’s largest, the monument reflects Obama’s strategy of using his executive powers to put lands and waters off-limits to development, despite concerns from critics who argue his heavy-handed approach comes at the expense of vulnerable local economies.
On Saturday, he’ll arrive in China for an economic summit where he will try to cement support for the worldwide climate deal signed in Paris past year.
Midway derives its name from its location roughly halfway between Asia and North America, which made it a strategic place for trans-Atlantic flights to refuel.
In June 1942, USA forces, tipped by code-breakers that the Japanese navy was planning an attack, sank four Japanese aircraft carriers and a heavy cruiser in a giant air-sea battle.
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The region is home to more than 7,000 species, including green turtles, endangered Hawaiian monk seals, various seabirds and a newly discovered octopus scientists nicknamed Casper. More albatrosses live on Midway than anywhere else in the world. We’d like to hear from you about this or any other stories you think we should know about.
