5 November 2015: The UNFCCC Secretariat has reported that Fiji has formally submitted its intended nationally determined contribution (INDC), bringing the total number of Parties that have made their submissions to 157. Fiji’s INDC is specific to the national energy sector, where it aims to achieve a 30% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared to a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario by 2030.

Of this reduction objective, 10% is unconditional, as the country intends to implement its Green Growth Framework using available domestic resources. The remaining 20%, which is estimated to require US$500 million in investment, is conditional on availability of external funding. The Party notes that to raise the resources necessary to achieve this conditional goal, it will participate in fully functional bilateral, regional and international market mechanisms, such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).

The Party explains that 20% of the reduction can be achieved through shifting to nearly 100% renewable energy, meaning the remaining 10% reduction will be reliant on implementation of energy efficiency measures. The INDC notes that energy efficiency has been identified a relatively low-cost and easily implemented solution, but that various obstacles, including financial restraints, have hindered its serious implementation.

The INDC also describes progress, challenges and the way forward for adaptation, including short-, medium- and long-term actions.

All Parties to the UNFCCC are expected to submit INDCs in advance of the Paris Climate Change Conference, which will take place 30 November – 11 December 2015. Parties are anticipated to agree on a global climate change agreement to take effect in 2020 at the Paris Climate Change Conference. [UNFCCC Press Release] [Fiji’s INDC] [UNFCCC INDC Portal]