Dr. Sivendra Michael, Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change and Chief Negotiator at COP29, recently emphasized the significant opportunities available for investments in solar and hydropower within Fiji. During a round-table discussion held by UNDP at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, he expressed concerns that the nation’s current circumstances hinder the broad adoption of these vital clean energy technologies.
Michael noted that while the Pacific Island countries contribute a mere 0.03 percent to global emissions, they remain committed to leading by example. They have set ambitious, climate-aligned Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and are actively working to decrease emissions through renewable energy investments.
He stressed the importance of imposing strong NDCs by major economies, stating that without clear market signals for technology transfer and significant reductions in carbon emissions, the potential for the Pacific Islands to achieve sustainable development could be severely limited. Michael argued that realizing net-zero emissions and avoiding severe climate disruption necessitates long-term strategies instead of short-term fixes.
On the policy side, he suggested that governments need to encourage investments and reshape mindsets through incentives, capacity building, and new partnerships to support long-term low-carbon development goals. Fiji’s national policies are focused on reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, with this target codified in the Climate Change Act. Currently, Fiji’s NDC aims for 100% renewable electricity generation by 2030, but this necessitates resources and partnerships to manage the country’s dependence on fossil fuels effectively.
Fiji’s NDC Implementation Roadmap estimates a need for US$2.97 billion in investments in the energy sector from 2017 to 2030 to achieve a 30% reduction in energy sector emissions. The NDC Investment Plan outlines 20 key mitigation programs in transportation and energy efficiency, with the total financing needed for these initiatives over the 2022-2030 period projected at around US$2 billion.
Michael asserted that the Pacific nations cannot make significant progress without action from major emitting countries, underscoring the interconnected nature of global decarbonization. He argued that without committed action from all parties, the goals of a just transition may remain out of reach.
The side event organized by AOSIS and UNDP also highlighted the potential benefits of transitioning to clean energy for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner pointed out that clean and reliable renewable energy systems are crucial for resilience and economic growth, particularly in transforming sectors like tourism, which can play a key role in investing in renewable energy infrastructure.
Steiner acknowledged the complexities involved in transitioning to electric mobility, suggesting that SIDS are unlikely to make the switch independently without the necessary infrastructure in place.
Overall, despite the challenges faced, there remains a strong resolve among Pacific nations to pioneer climate action through clean energy investments, backed by regional and global commitments. With the right partnerships and support, Fiji can not only move toward its ambitious goals but potentially serve as an example for other nations navigating similar paths in the fight against climate change.
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