FIJI and Marshall Islands have become the first two nations to commit to raising the ambition of its nationally determined contributions for climate change by 2020 and to reach net zero emissions by mid-century.
This was revealed by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama during the launch of Fiji’s Low Emission Development Strategy at COP24 in Poland.
“And today (Friday), I’m equally proud at COP24 to officially launch the vehicle that will get Fiji there — the Low Emission Development Strategy that is our blueprint for a clean energy future,” Mr Bainimarama said.
“Friends, we have had a great story to tell and thanks to you, we have told it. “It is a story of the great challenges we face as some of the most climate vulnerable people on the Earth and also those who are among the most dependent on the health of our ocean.
“But it is also an inspirational story of solidarity in the face of those challenges and of doing what we can ourselves to meet them.” He said as the president of COP23, he was proud the Pacific talanoa concept of inclusive decision-making that had captured the imagination of the world.
“And more importantly that it has led to the Talanoa Call for Action — a call from the Polish and Fijian presidencies for greater action in pursuit of the goals of the Paris Agreement.
“This call for action is one of the greatest legacies of Fiji’s COP23 presidency, along with our Ocean Pathway Partnership and building our grand coalition that for the first time, has seen national governments joined in the quest for more ambition by states, cities and regions, the private sector, civil society and billions of ordinary people around the world.
“Friends, Fiji has made a difference. “The Marshall Islands under the leadership of President Hilda Heine has made a difference.
“All our Pacific neighbours have made a difference. And as COP24 draws to a close, we can be proud of the important role we have played and will continue to play. Because we have given voice to our people and their concerns.
“And we will continue to make that voice heard in the great forums of the world, demanding more action and more ambition.”
