United Nations Resident Coordinator to Fiji Dirk Wagener makes a strong point. Fiji and the Pacific, he says, must accelerate the transition to renewable energy if we are to ease the burden of rising living costs and safeguard our future against climate change.
Speaking at the launch of the Clean-Up Campaign at Suva Point on Saturday to mark World Environment Day and World Oceans Day, Mr Wagener noted that despite the region’s ambition to become fully renewable, it is dependent on fossil fuels.
We agree. Our reliance on imported fuel exposes us to economic shocks beyond our control.
This vulnerability demands urgent attention. We should be exploring and investing in alternative energy sources, and that is a conversation we must move into quickly.
Mr Wagener said the Pacific must do much more if it is to achieve its goal of becoming free from fossil fuels.
He believes dependence on imported fuel is damaging the environment and placing pressure on household budgets. When fuel prices rise, transportation costs increase. Businesses pass those costs on to consumers, and the prices of everyday goods climb. Families end up paying more at the supermarket, more for services, and more just to get by.
We look at the recent global fuel crisis as another reminder of why renewable energy investment cannot be delayed.
For years, there have been calls to maximise our natural advantages.
We enjoy abundant sunshine throughout the year, possess a lot of potential for solar power generation, and have opportunities to develop wind, hydro and other renewable technologies.
These are resources that can help reduce our dependence on imported fuel while strengthening energy security.
The United Nations has pledged to continue working with governments and development partners to support this transition.
Renewable energy can help protect the environment, reduce long-term energy costs and create a resilient future for Pacific communities.
The urgency of this issue is highlighted by growing instability around the world. The conflict involving Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other highlights how geopolitical tensions can disrupt global oil supplies and drive fuel prices higher.
Small island nations like Fiji often feel the effects quickly, despite being far removed from the conflict itself. We have always said that we are not immune to the troubles of the world.
That is why we must be proactive. Diversifying our energy sources is no longer just an environmental goal. It is an economic and national security imperative. We need to invest in renewable energy today. We need to shield ourselves from future global shocks. We need decisive action now!
