Dr. Sivendra Michael, Fiji’s Chief Negotiator at COP29 and Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, emphasized the significant potential for solar and hydropower investments in Fiji during a recent roundtable discussion held by UNDP. However, he pointed out that the country’s existing national circumstances hinder the rapid adoption of these clean energy technologies.
In his speech at the event in Baku, Azerbaijan, Dr. Michael noted that Pacific Island nations collectively contribute only about 0.03 percent to global emissions. Nevertheless, these nations strive to lead by setting ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) aligned with a target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C while working diligently to reduce emissions through investments in renewable energy sources.
He underscored that achieving such ambitious goals requires strong commitments from the world’s largest economies. Specifically, he called for clearer market signals to accelerate technology transfer, coupled with significant cuts in both carbon and non-carbon dioxide emissions. Dr. Michael stated that reaching net zero emissions should involve comprehensive long-term planning rather than short-sighted, temporary measures.
On the policy front, he advocated for governments to foster conducive environments through incentives, capacity building, and new partnerships to facilitate low-carbon growth strategies. Fiji’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 is legally embedded in the Climate Change Act. Additionally, Fiji aims for 100% renewable grid electricity generation by 2030, but this requires crucial resources and collaborative partnerships to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
The NDC Implementation Roadmap estimates that Fiji requires approximately $2.97 billion in investments in its energy sector from 2017 to 2030 to cut energy sector emissions by 30%. The country’s NDC Investment Plan outlines 20 primary mitigation programs focused on transportation and energy efficiency, estimating a need for around $2 billion in financing between 2022 and 2030.
Dr. Michael reiterated that the success of Fiji and other Pacific nations in achieving these goals hinges on actions taken by major global emitters. He expressed the critical importance of a collective global effort to ensure a just transition toward a sustainable future. The discussion at COP29 also highlighted the significant opportunities that a just energy transition presents for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Achim Steiner, the UNDP Administrator, remarked that clean, affordable, and reliable renewable energy systems are essential not only for building resilience but also for spurring economic growth and innovation. He pointed out the particular challenges facing SIDS in transitioning to electric mobility, stressing the necessity of developing appropriate infrastructure to support this transition.
In summary, Dr. Michael’s insights at COP29 underline the urgent need for collaborative global action to support the clean energy transition in Fiji and the broader Pacific region. With the right investments and partnerships, there’s hope for a sustainable future where clean energy plays a central role in economic resilience and growth.
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