Marshall Islands – The President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands has been included in the top one hundred list of the world’s most influential people in climate policy.
Apolitical, a global network for the public sector, recognized Dr. Hilda C. Heine for her role in the global environmental movement.
Apolitical created the list to recognize those who are making tangible policy action on climate change and other environmental issues.
Heine is in the top 20.
According to the network, Heine has urged governments to take action against climate change and meet their Paris Agreement commitments. She is also the chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, an alliance of forty-eight countries under threat from climate change.
Heine, according to Apolitical, has also committed to the Marshall Islands becoming carbon-neutral by the year 2050.
In response to the recognition, Heine tweeted: “An honor for the Marshallese people and those that have stood with us over many years in fighting climate change. But the roll call is also deeply concerning. The Top 20 climate leaders must soon comprise G20 leaders if people around the world are to be safe”
As one of the lowest-lying and climate vulnerable countries, RMI has taken a firm stance in addressing climate change. Prior to the signing of the Paris Agreement, the RMI played a key role in mobilizing support from other nations.
