On the back of yesterday’s Marrakech proclamation for climate and sustainable development, stakeholders across the globe have pledged to work towards 100 percent renewable energy production as rapidly as possible, while working to end energy poverty, protect water and food security taking into consideration national circumstances.
The also promise to scale up their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as soon as possible before 2020, while developing long term net zero sustainable development plans.
Al Gore, former US Vice President and Chairman of Climate Reality Project said today’s commitment by the member countries of the Climate Vulnerable Forum to move toward powering their economies entirely with renewable energy is a bold vision that sets the pace for the world’s efforts to implement the Paris Agreement and move even more quickly to solve the climate crisis. These ambitious and inspiring commitments show the path forward for others and give us all renewed optimism that we are going to meet the challenge before us and meet it in time.”
Christiana Figueres, former executive secretary of the UNFCCC said “I welcome the Climate Vulnerable Forum Declaration highlighting the need for urgent climate action in order to protect the most vulnerable and allow everyone to prosper. Our goal must be to bend the curve of emissions by 2020 in order to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees C and enable an orderly and just transition. For this we must accelerate the shift of capital and promote radical collaboration among all stakeholders. We can do it.”
“The commitments made by the Climate Vulnerable Forum today are both impressive and inspirational. They have once again shown their moral leadership in this process with real-world commitments to action. These countries are already living the terrifying reality of climate change today and their very existence is on the line. The EU stands with them and their commitment to greater ambition in the years ahead, said Miguel Arias Cañete, European Union Climate Action and Energy Commissioner
“The World Business Council for Sustainable Development welcomes today’s announcement by the 47 countries of the Climate Vulnerable Forum that they will scale up their climate commitments, scale up renewable energy and develop long term low emission strategies. Business is a key implementation partner for governments around the world as they strive to implement their NDCs, providing innovative solutions to meet the energy needs for millions of people.
This announcement is a vote of confidence in internationally coordinated action on climate change. Now more than ever we must continue to work together to scale up the implementation of the Paris agreement and accelerate the transition towards the low carbon economy, says Peter Bakker, president, World Business Council for Sustainable Development
While, Laura Williamson, REN21 noted that the announcement today by 47 national governments to use renewables to meet all their energy needs demonstrates true commitment to the 1.5 degree target. This commitment can only accelerate the developments we are already seeing both in the market and investment sectors. Renewables are unstoppable!”
“Bangladesh has shown how renewable energy tackles energy poverty. With today´s commitment to move to 100 percent Renewable Energy domestically, the government, in coalition with the most vulnerable countries, builds on this success and allows future generations a decent life on this planet, says Dipal C. Barua, Global 100% RE Ambassador
“It is moving to see, that despite their relative poverty, the world’s most vulnerable countries leading the world in delivering the goals of the Paris Agreement. They may be relatively small in size but these countries have become titans in the world of climate leadership. It’s sad that it is the countries suffering first and worst from climate change that need to go furthest and fastest to show the world what needs to be done.
But thank heavens they have done. Now it’s up to other nations to follow their lead. These 47 vulnerable countries, which make up a quarter of the signatories to the UN, can see what’s coming down the climate tunnel and they are trying to warn the rest of the planet that our current track ends in disaster. To avoid a life-shattering temperature rise of 1.5 degrees we need countries to switch to 100% renewable energy at a much faster speed. We have the technology, we now need politics to catch uu, according to Mohamed Adow, International Climate Lead, Christian Aid
Doto Biteko, Chair for Parliamentary Committee on Energy and Minerals, Tanzania on his part observed that “With today’s declaration, Tanzania proves leadership in bringing electricity to all citizens. By visiting other countries, I have learnt in the past months that renewable energy can overcome poverty and improve people’s livelihoods. I therefore welcome Tanzania´s commitment to join the other most vulnerable countries in going to 100% Renewable Energy to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.”
“Today`s declaration from 47 most vulnerable countries to go 100 percent Renewable Energy signals the urgently needed political leadership. Industrialized countries must follow this example to put the world on track for a just and sustainable energy system for all. The good news is that cities, communities, citizens and islands have proven that the 100% RE vision is feasible and beneficial. Policy solutions are out there. The next step is an inclusive policy dialogue to a system change, says Stefan Schurig, Director Climate Energy, World Future Council
“The Africa Progress Panel welcomes this bold commitment from the most vulnerable countries – including 15 African nations – to radically scale up their climate ambition in order to firmly set their courses for a sustainable development pathway that will create opportunity and solve problems like energy access. What we need now is for other countries to look closely at this example of leadership to note how the bar has been raised across the board, Caroline Kende-Robb, Executive Director, Africa Progress Panel promised.
