A 36 per cent reduction in business-as-usual emissions in the energy sector by 2035 is among Fiji’s most ambitious climate targets under its latest Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC3.0), submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Permanent secretary for Environment and Climate Change of Fiji Dr Sivendra Michael revealed the figures while officiating at the NDC3.0 Climate Investment Plan inception workshop at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva yesterday.
“More ambitious and comprehensive conditional and unconditional targets than previous submissions represent a significant leap forward in Fiji’s climate action commitments,” he said.
“30 million trees by 2035 and ensuring 30 per cent of Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) designated as Marine Protected Areas by 2035”.
Dr Michael stressed the urgency of global climate action.
“The latest science is clear that we are now at a dangerous tipping point.”
“The risk of overshooting 1.5 degrees is significant if not likely in the next 5 years.”
He warned the consequences for Pacific nations would be severe.
“If global temperature rises by 1.5 degrees, life in the Pacific will be under threat.
“For us, it’s personal and it’s more than just a climate obligation. It’s about protecting our homes, our communities, and our children’s futures.”
Dr Michael said the Climate Investment Plan would help turn targets into actionable, costed, and investable projects to drive implementation.
“NDC3.0’s high-level targets into actionable, costed, and investable projects.”
