Fiji, Oct. 1 -- Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr has told the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) that small island states are "at war" with climate change, warning that 1.5 degrees is now a binding global obligation and calling for urgent reforms to deliver justice, peace, and inclusion.

"The recent International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion affirms this truth, that our voice-though often overlooked-carries the weight of justice. We thank Vanuatu for their leadership, and recognise the Pacific youth who co-led this charge," Whipps told world leaders gathered in New York last week.

The President warned that the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit is now a legal and moral imperative.

"The advisory opinion confirmed what we have always kn...