<
https://theconversation.com/how-pacific-nations-plan-to-go-from-spending-up-to-25-of-gdp-on-fossil-fuels-to-running-on-100-renewables-269402>
"Picture dusk falling somewhere in the Solomon Islands. A fisher’s skiff glides
home using a whisper-quiet electric outboard motor. In the Cook Islands, a big
battery steadies the island grid. In Papua New Guinea’s highlands, solar kits
bring electric light to homes for the first time.
These aren’t prototypes – they’re already up and running across the Pacific.
Put together, these stories of quiet change point to something bigger.
For decades, Pacific island countries have led the global fight on climate
change. These nations are highly exposed to the damage from rising sea levels,
acidifying oceans and bleached coral reefs. Pacific leaders helped secure the
2015
Paris Agreement and the global goal of holding warming to 1.5°C.
Now the Pacific is leading the way again. Island leaders have a bold plan to
become the world’s first region powered entirely by renewables and energy
storage.
The move isn’t symbolic. It’s extremely practical. Pacific nations spend an
eye-watering percentage of their GDP (10–25%) buying fossil fuels to run power
plants, generators and vehicles. Ending reliance on imports and becoming energy
independent will bring major dividends. Despite widespread support, the
Pacific’s clean energy transition has not yet taken off in earnest due to
transport costs and gaps in financing, skills and regulation.
Leaders will formally release a renewable roadmap next week at the COP30
climate conference in Brazil. Pacific nations and Australia are bidding to host
the next climate talks in 2026. Island leaders hope to leverage the global
summit to attract investment in their own energy transition."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
