Dr. Austin Shelton speaks at the Obama Foundation Democracy Forum in New York City.

"After thousands of years of thriving on our own, our sustainable existence was interrupted," he said.

Shelton is the director of the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant and one of three speakers presenting on democracy and climate change.

He began his speech with an anecdote of William Dampier's visit to Guam that started what he calls an interruption to our sustainable existence.

"With people like William Dampier, colonization entered our shores and conflict arose," Shelton said. "Those boats were burned down and our people were put under the control and dependence of foreign powers."

It's a dependence on outside resources that leaves us reliant on over 90 percent of imported goods. He added though the people have hope for change, the changing climate is another interruption.

"Places that contributed the least to the impacts of climate change, the causes of climate change, now suffer its wrath," Shelton said. "We experience rising sea levels, more frequent and intense storms, warming waters that bleach and kill our coral reefs, furthermore, climate change is literally eroding our democracies. When we’re fighting for survival, how do we find the time and space to also fight for better democracies?"

He said he found the answer in agency and self-determination. Bringing up Guam's political status as an unincorporated us territory, he calls for a need for real democracy.

"We build on our legacy of ancient island wisdom, innovate in the present and navigate the waters to our sustainable future," Shelton said.

He presented Guam Green Growth as a path to that sustainable future, showing how local actions can make a global impact.

"Join us as an ally. Follow islands. After all in this universe, we are all floating around on an island called Earth," he said.

Closing out the conference was former President Barack Obama who addressed the crowd of incredible leaders.

"And I just have to say the determination and passion of these leaders, many of whom are here, are already making an impact," he said.