9 December 2014
COP 20 Event Discusses Incubating Climate Action in Pacific Islands
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The Government of Kiribati and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) organized the side event 'Engaging the Participation of Green Economy in the Climate Action Incubation Mechanism' at the Lima Climate Change Conference.

The event focused on how climate action can bridge the financial and technical gap in climate change strategies of the developing world.

limacop206 December 2014: The Government of Kiribati and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) organized the side event ‘Engaging the Participation of Green Economy in the Climate Action Incubation Mechanism’ at the Lima Climate Change Conference. The event focused on how climate action can bridge financial and technical gaps in climate change strategies of the developing world.

During the event, participants heard presentations on the development of an “incubation mechanism” for island countries to enhance resilience to climate change and increase public awareness of the green economy. Robert Dixon, Global Environment Facility (GEF), reminded the audience of the typhoon bearing down on the Philippines, pointing to this extreme event as an example of the fragility of Earth.

Taukelina Finikaso, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tuvalu, stated that his country is currently finalizing its second National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA), outlining institutional problems as the main challenge. He urged process reform to expedite fund access and expressed hope that the Green Climate Fund (GCF) will not suffer from the same challenges, saying small island developing States (SIDS) “will be doomed” if they cannot access the fund.

Makurita Baaro, Ambassador to the UN for Kiribati, said the Government of Kiribati has developed extensive programmes to: prioritize education and acquisition of marketable skills; facilitate overseas employment; and negotiate permanent emigration opportunities in the event of catastrophic sea-level rise.

Hui-Chen Chien, Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration, highlighted Taiwan’s voluntary emission reduction incentives, improved energy efficiency and renewable energy technology development, saying these can contribute to a substantial decrease in carbon emissions. Robert Yie-Zu Hu, ITRI, provided examples of Taiwan’s initiatives, such as installing one million solar roof panels by 2030 and exchanging all traffic lights and road signals with light-emitting diode (LED) technology.

Takashi Hongo, Mitsui Global Strategic Studies Institute, reported on the barriers to new technology expansion in Pacific Island countries, citing: high initial costs; operation and maintenance; and access to low-cost financing. As solutions to these barriers, he identified standardization of technologies and international cooperation; and accessing the GCF, including through utilizing multilateral and local banks.

During the discussion, participants commented on migration as a solution for SIDS, with Finikaso stressing relocation as a last resort. Participants also called for appropriate and affordable strategies to limit the impacts of climate change. [IISD RS ENBOTS Coverage] [IISD RS Coverage of Lima Climate Change Conference] [ITRI Website]


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