Dr. Sivendra Michael, Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change and Fiji’s Chief Negotiator at COP29, emphasized the significant potential for solar and hydropower investments in Fiji during a round-table discussion hosted by the UNDP at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Nevertheless, he pointed out that the nation’s specific circumstances are hindering the rapid and large-scale adoption of these clean energy technologies.
He noted that while the collective emissions from all Pacific Island nations contribute a mere 0.03 percent to global emissions, these countries are committed to setting ambitious, science-aligned Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to combat climate change. His remarks highlighted the necessity for stronger NDCs from major economies and clearer signals for technology transfer, which are crucial for sustainable development and achieving net-zero emissions.
Dr. Michael called for long-term planning in climate strategy, arguing that ad-hoc measures will not suffice. He urged governments to reshape investment strategies through incentives, capacity-building, and partnerships that would aid in establishing long-lasting low-carbon growth.
Fiji’s ambitious target aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, supported by the Climate Change Act, while the current NDC aspires to have 100% renewable electricity generation by 2030. However, attaining these goals necessitates both resources and collaborations to ease the country’s dependency on fossil fuels. An estimated investment of USD 2.97 billion is required for the energy sector from 2017 to 2030 to achieve a 30% reduction in emissions.
The NDC Investment Plan outlines 20 key mitigation programs for transportation and energy efficiency, requiring approximately USD 2 billion in financing from 2022 to 2030. Dr. Michael reiterated the importance of global cooperation, stressing that the effectiveness of Fiji’s efforts hinges on concrete actions from larger emitting nations.
He emphasized that without favorable conditions for a just transition, the aspirations for climate justice and decarbonization would fall short. The side event also showcased the opportunities presented by a just energy transition for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner affirmed that reliable renewable energy systems are crucial for resilience while offering new growth opportunities that could transform economies. However, he acknowledged that SIDS cannot achieve this energy transition alone and require robust infrastructure to support changes, such as electric mobility.
This discourse at COP29 serves as a reminder of the collaborative effort required to tackle climate change, particularly the vital role large economies play in enabling the transition towards sustainable energy solutions for vulnerable regions like Fiji.
In summary, while Fiji pursues an ambitious clean energy agenda, the path forward demands both local and international cooperation to ensure successful implementation of these critical goals. Despite the challenges, there is an optimistic outlook for the potential growth and resilience that such transitions can spark across the region.
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