Featured Image: Source
By: Kira Krall
In 2012, the Pacific Island Development Forum (PIDF) formed to prevent desolation à la Easter Island. Resources are depleted exponentially fast on an island, and any introduction of an invasive species to an island habitat can absolutely overwhelm it.
Four years later,Pacific Island Nations in the Forum is proposing a big change to defend their homes against ecological disaster. Their proposal? The world’s first international ban on fossil fuels in their countries.
The policy would also require universal renewable energy expansion and would prohibit fossil fuel expansion by 2030. Government subsidies for nonrenewable energy would also be prohibited.
Fiji is at the forefront of the treaty, which includes 14 Pacific Island nations, but excludes Australia and New Zealand. The treaty wouldn’t be enacted until 2018, but the effects will be almost instant in terms of climate change. This treaty is in addition to Fiji’s progressive renewable energy programs.
Image Credit: HydroWorld.com
Fiji’s extensive river and waterfall systems make hydroelectricity the best renewable energy fit for the island. This specific dam, pictured above, connects surrounding villages to 1 million units of electricity per year. It will save the island over $24 million in diesel fuel costs.
The Solomon Islands are already seeing the effects of climate change. Rising sea levels and coastal erosion plague the Islands coasts. Sea level rise is so bad, residents are being forced to relocate, an event that no one expected to see this soon.
Worldwide, humans release 2.4 million pounds of carbon dioxide per second. The more carbon we’re pumping into the atmosphere, the more heat gets held in between the Earth’s crust and the atmosphere.
Increasing temperatures mean melting ice caps, which we all know causes sea level rise. But another, more dangerous effect of melting ice means releasing all of the methane that’s been trapped in permafrost for thousands of years. And excessive methane in the atmosphere spells certain doom for humans.
Image Credit: NASA
A glaring example of climate change can be seen in The Muir Glacier is pictured here, 63 years apart. It’s estimated that 90 percent of the world’s glaciers will be completely melted (and won’t refreeze) by the year 2100 if nothing is done to reduce carbon emissions.
This government response to a country’s climate needs, sets an example that the rest of the world should follow. There’s even a program built-in that eases the financial struggle of people in these 14 countries that are affected by climate change.
These small island nations understand the interconnectedness of our world. They see that we are all part of a problem, but we are all part of the solution.
If you’re registered to vote in Florida, vote for Amendment Four on August 30th to bring cheaper solar power to the state. Stay up-to-date on renewable energy in your state and make a difference using your vote and your voice.