Blue planet alliance is working to eliminate fossil fuels — IN islands and countrIES aLL OVER THE GLOBE

Fossil fuels have a negative environmental impact all over the world, but that impact is exponentially higher on island nations. These countries’ high dependency on imported fossil fuels — and their associated supply-chain risks — pose a major threat to the sustainability of their economies, cultures, and environments. Transitioning to resilient and affordable renewable-energy sources will be necessary to combat the negative impacts of climate change, protect sensitive local ecosystems, mitigate catastrophic risks, and end the economic leakage caused by importing fuels for power generation.

Improvements in renewable-energy generation and storage technologies — as well as optimal tropical climates — allow many island nations to achieve grid parity, where the price of alternative energy becomes less than or equal to the price of nonrenewable power sources.

While many island nations have begun working toward their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) targets agreed to under the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, their actual achievement has proven challenging. There is a clear need for additional resources and improved engagement among stakeholders at every level.

FOLLOWING THE HAWAII MODEL

In our experience, meeting such ambitious goals only happens by inspiring a sense of urgency and initiative. Fundamentally, island nations have a collective opportunity to pioneer the path of transitioning from fossil fuel dependence to thriving renewable-energy economies, and in doing so, they will set an example for the rest of the world to follow.

The purpose of the Blue Planet Alliance’s legislative-mandate approach is to establish a clean-energy initiative that paves the way for all island countries — as well as continental countries — to commit to reaching the goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045.

Blue Planet Alliance builds upon monumental climate change policies and initiatives of its sister organization, the Hawaii-based Blue Planet Foundation. Established in 2008, the Foundation worked diligently with stakeholders to successfully pass the nation’s first 100% renewable-energy law, requiring the State of Hawaii to commit to 100% clean energy by 2045. It also designed and implemented successful business models to guide Hawaii’s utility in transitioning to 100% renewable energy and continues to drive key policies shaping the State’s clean energy future.

Having inspired other states and regions to take similar actions, Blue Planet Alliance was established to expand the Foundation’s efforts beyond Hawaii. Through a “mandate first” approach to initiating global climate change action, the Alliance aims to create measurable and scalable initiatives and results among individuals, organizations, cities, states, countries, and eventually, the planet.