Bainimarama’s growing influence in climate change battle will come in handy in Poland
As Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama hands over the COP reins to Poland on climate change to hold the presidency of COP24, it must be recognised that it has been an incredible journey for COP23. Mr Bainimarama, who has led the charge, must be commended for his firm and decisive leadership. Just as he does at home, Mr Bainimarama, has set the pace from the front and Team Fiji has captured the attention of the world with our own unique way of doing things.
Our Talanoa session branding has now taken a life of its own in the corridors and chambers of climate change talks as they moved from Bonn in Germany to Katowice in Poland.
Mr Bainimarama’s leadership in the climate change battle and ocean talks has been praised by the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, when he congratulated the PM on his re-election.
This is not only a major boost to the PM’s international standing, but also Fiji’s growing profile on world affairs including peacekeeping.
His relentless drive to keep moving the climate change agenda forward in Katowice has continued without missing a beat.
At the High-Level Segment, during the formal opening of COP24, there was no let up in Mr Bainimarama’s advocacy of focusing world attention on the climate change threats facing small island nations of the Pacific.
He did not mince his words. He said while he supported Poland’s theme of a “Just Transition”, the danger facing the small island nations should not be forgotten. The theme suits Polish interests. It is common knowledge that Poland is a big coal user. Coal drives many industries in this Central European nation, providing 75 per cent of its electricity generation.
To try to cut its coal consumption and lower carbon emissions will affect industries, jobs and ultimately its economy.
That’s the big challenge and it explains the purpose of the theme.
What is feared is that the progress carried by the Fijian momentum from Bonn could be lost in Katowice.
It is understood that other countries are banking on Fiji to help Poland achieve the target of decreasing the global temperature. That means switching from fossil fuels such as coal to cleaner energy.
In the meantime, small island nations such as Fiji have to deal with the effects of climate change caused by countries such as Poland.
Mr Bainimarama has again highlighted our predicament. He has called for new technology to enable countries to effectively make the transition.
He has appealed for a renewed effort to free up billions of dollars needed for that transition and make new technology more affordable and accessible.
Fiji has led by example. Its carbon emission is negligible, but it and the Marshall Islands are the first two countries to commit to raising the ambition of Nationally Determined Contributions by 2020.
Next week the Climate Summit starts in conjunction with COP24 in Katowice.
Mr Guterres says Mr Bainimarama’s leadership on climate change will continue to be invaluable as they approach the summit.
It means they hope Mr Bainimarama will use his experience to help steer the talks in the right direction. Let’s hope and pray he has a positive impact.
NEMANI DELAIBATIKI