A PACIFIC-led roadmap to transition from fossil fuels had been formally endorsed by regional leaders.
The proposed framework was discussed at the Pre-COP31 Summit Leaders Plenary sessions where a collaborative effort between the region and the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance (BOGA) was established reaffirming the Pacific’s vision for a fossil-free Pacific.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya said the Pacific has, for a long time, spearheaded the transition away from fossil fuels.
“From the call in Port Vila three years ago for a fossil fuel free Pacific, to this year’s Pre-COP hosted in Fiji and Tuvalu, Pacific leaders have advocated tirelessly for a global energy transition. Keeping 1.50C alive is an existential need for us,” she said.
“I’m proud and humbled that Fiji is hosting this event, during which the process for a new, regional roadmap will be discussed. I look forward to the continued results of the Pacific Community’s work.”
BOGA and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Partnership announced support for oil and gas-dependent economies who want to develop roadmaps for their transitions.
COP31 Pacific Envoy and Climate Envoy for the Marshall Islands Tina Stege said with climate impacts accelerating, instability rising, economies faltering and the fearsome reality of an overshoot to the 1.50C temperature limit approaching, it’s high time to transition away from fossil fuels.
“The Pacific needs to end its dependency on fossil fuels for our own economic and energy security,” she said.
“We need every region of the globe to follow us in developing a roadmap to a cheaper, cleaner, healthier, secure low-carbon energy future, so we can secure our environmental safety too.”
Tuvalu Minister for Home Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Maina Vakafua Talia said by examining together how to overcome our dependency on fossil fuels, looking at supply and demand options, and mapping the likely changes in trade flows, the region could be an exemplar to other regions on producing roadmaps on how to make the transition happen.
“I hope that by the time the world gathers in Tuvalu next July at the 2nd International Conference on Transitioning Away From Fossil Fuels, work on a Pacific Roadmap will be well advanced and we’ll be able to lead the way once again,” he said.
