The Australian Government has given AUD$1 million to Fiji for the new Fiji Australia Climate Change Support programme.
Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says they are grateful to the Australian government for the financial assistance towards a national effort to meet our nationally determined contribution under the Paris Agreement.
Sayed-Khaiyum says when Fiji reduces its reliance on fossil fuel, life will become better for Fijians and right now we as price takers for fuel are held hostage to the whims of the international market.
He says Russia’s war on Ukraine is a world away from our islands but its impact on world fuel prices hits our people's pocket.
The Minister further says powering Fijian renewable energy sources frees us from the volatility of the price of oil barrels.
He adds they will utilize Australian financial support to help leverage further resources and capacity to achieve as close to the net zero target as possible.
Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, John Feakes says with most finance flows globally going towards mitigation in developed countries, 70% of Australia’s climate finance supports adaptation and resilience efforts.
He adds their focus is on integrating climate change and disaster resilience into every sector of Australia’s development program.
