Schools in remote and maritime areas are expected to be equipped with solar energy as Australia has announced AUD$1 million for the It's Time Foundation to work with the Fiji's Ministry of Education.
This has been announced by Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen while speaking during a press conference with Minister for Environment Lynda Tabuya during Pacific COP31 at Sofitel Resort in Denarau.
Bowen says this is the sort of practical action that Australia takes to help the Pacific transition away from fossil fuels.
While responding to a question by fijivillage News on what assurance can Fiji and the Pacific get that our voices will be heard during COP31 negotiations as Australia remains a coal and gas exporter, Bowen says the way to transition away from fossil fuels is to build more renewable energy, to replace the need for fossil fuel and that is what they are doing in Australia.
Bowen says Australia's increased use of home batteries has reduced gas demand, while the country is building renewable energy capacity to replace coal-fired power.
He says Australia, despite accounting for only 1 percent of global emissions, can work with other countries to address the remaining 99 percent and support a transition away from fossil fuels by tackling both demand and supply.
Meanwhile, in response to Australian media questioning Bowen on Australian taxpayers money, Tabuya says the Pacific is grateful for Australia's support and for helping Fiji and Tuvalu host Pre-COP31.
She says Pacific countries may disagree with Australia on some issues, but it is important to find common ground and agree on action going into COP31.
Bowen has reassured that Pacific Climate Ministers will meet with him every day during COP31 to be updated on negotiations, obstacles and challenges and to discuss the way forward.
He says Pacific Ministers will be part of the process and will not be called into discussions only after agreements have already been reached.
Bowen says he cannot guarantee that the COP31 decision will reflect everything Pacific Ministers want, as negotiations involve around 190 countries and require consensus.
He says the process will require goodwill, flexibility and pragmatism, but the Pacific will be more at the table than it has been at a COP before.
Tabuya adds the Pacific is grateful for Australia's commitment to renewable energy.
She says many Pacific communities are not connected to the electricity grid and have an opportunity to move directly to renewable energy rather than relying on fossil fuels.
Tabuya says Fiji is calling on Australia and the international community to support the Pacific through climate finance and projects that will enable a just transition away from fossil fuels.
She says developed countries must commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and support countries that are most affected by climate change.
Pre-COP continues throughout the week, with more than 35 Ministers, leaders and other delegates going to Tuvalu tomorrow, with discussions resuming in Fiji from Wednesday until Friday.
