Small island developing states, despite still being heavily reliant on fossil fuels, could turn things around and lead the way towards green energy transition, said the United Nations.
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| llage shop at dusk in Sri Lanka lit by solar panels |
“S.I.D.S. are creating opportunities and examples that, if replicated worldwide, could lead the transition from fossil fuel energy to renewable and sustainable energy,” said John Ashe, U.N. president of the General Assembly, in his opening address in Apia, Samoa, to the High-Level Event on Sustainable Energy For All.
According to the U.N., universal access to modern energy services, doubled rate of improvement in energy efficiency, and shared renewable energy globally by 2030 should be ensured.
In the case of the S.I.D.S., the three goals have special relevance due to the nations’ inflated energy costs due to remoteness, small size, and vulnerability to climate change. In line with this, it is estimated that as much as 20 percent of people worldwide who live without access to electricity are in islands.
“Sustainable energy for all is an important tool for eradicating extreme poverty, creating economic opportunity, combating climate change and supporting sustainable development,” Ban Ki-moon said in his keynote address to the event.
“But we need all stakeholders to act together across all relevant sectors,” he added emphasizing the event’s theme of creating genuine and durable partnerships with small island nations.
Mr. Ban also noted that the world needs to see examples of cutting greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable energy sources so as to inspire others and follow.
With the Climate Summit in New York, which will happen later this month on September 23, Mr. Ban encouraged participants to attend the upcoming summit, also hoping to raise at least $10 to $15 billion during that summit for the Green Climate Fund which was created to support developing countries on their path to low-emission and climate-resilient development. – EcoSeed Staff More
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