The Cook Islands, Japan and Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat have stated renewable energy is no longer an optional energy solution for the Pacific region, but an imperative.
Speaking at a signing ceremony for the Rakahanga $1m PV Project, a project designed to reduce the need for generator fuel, Cook Islands Prime Minister Hon Henry Puna, the Forum Deputy Secretary General and Ambassador of Japan said the region must invest heavily in renewable energy - and that investment must be backed by strong political will.
Ambassador Teo said Forum Leaders declared climate change the greatest challenge of our time and was threatening the viability of some Pacific communities.
“The Rakahanga project is a step in the right direction and I commend strongly the Cook Islands Government for its efforts in the area of renewable energy.”
The Rakahanga PV Project is being funded by the Pacific Environment Community (PEC) Fund, set up by Japan to support solar power generation and sea water desalination projects.
The Cook Islands government has set a goal of generating 50% of its electricity requirements from renewable energy sources by 2015 and 100% by 2020. Prime Minister Puna stated the most vulnerable and most isolated islands will be given priority in the nation’s energy conversion efforts.
“We know very well that the use of fossil fuels is a big contributor to carbon emission into the atmosphere which is a significant contributor to climate change. Although our emission is very tiny compared to bigger countries, and the impact of natural disasters are much harsher on us, we all need to work together to do our bit to make sure our environment can sustain us and future generations, and ensure our small islands like Rakahanga stay above water,” he said.
The Cook Islands lacks major natural resources and regularly experiences natural disasters. Climate change spurred on by rapidly increasing levels of greenhouse gases is expected to heavily impact the region, with salt intrusion into ground water from rising seas a major concern.
