And the Smallest Shall Lead – The Marshall Islands Tackle Renewable Energy

October 7, 2015

69

October 7, 2015 – Small island nations are most vulnerable to fluctuating energy costs. They also are most vulnerable to climate change. It makes sense, therefore, that their governments take the lead in finding a path to a sustainable future that doesn’t rely on fossil fuels.

The Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean are no exception. In 2008 this nation produced 90% of its energy from the burning of fossil fuels. Today 99% of lighting, and water pumps located on its outer islands get power from solar energy. Excess power is also fed to the main islands and shared.

The Marshall Islands recently announced a new plan to reduce emissions by 45% by 2030. According to Tony de Brun, Foreign Minister for the government, “it’s a matter of survival” for its 72,000 citizens.

The Marshall Islands face rising sea levels and increasingly extreme weather events and although their net global contribution of carbon emissions amounts to less than 0.00001% it is hoped that by leading by example they can inspire other countries to make similar commitments in the run up to the climate summit COP2015 being held in Paris.

For island nations dependent on diesel fuel for power generation, even with depressed world oil prices, fossil fuels represent a significant cost. For example, The Seychelles spend 8% of their gross domestic product (GDP) on imported energy. The Bahamas spend 13%.

And considering the location of many of these small island states in areas where there is significant solar, wind, tidal, wave and geothermal capacity (the latter for island nations in proximity to The Ring of Fire) it makes sense for these nations to transition rapidly to 100% renewables.

Back in 2013 15 Pacific Ocean states declared war against continued development of fossil fuel energy sources. The Majuro Declaration for Climate Leadership described 15 principles in which all agreed to act responsibly to reduce greenhouse gas pollution to avert the coming climate crisis. They committed to be climate leaders. And now Marshall Islands are demonstrating that commitment.