The agreement highlights the CNMI's commitment to pivot away from fossil fuels. Photo: 123RF
The Commonwealth of Northern Marianas (CNMI) has signed a Blue Planet Climate Agreement, a document declaring its intention to commit itself on the path to a 100 percent renewable-energy future, the Blue Planet Alliance (BPA) has announced.
It makes the CNMI the sixth small island developing state (SIDS) country or territory to sign such a document, officially joining the nonprofit alliance in a growing movement to demonstrate to the rest of the world that a carbon-free-fuel future is indeed possible, the BPA said.
Previously, the alliance had signed agreements with two islands - the Tonga and Tuvalu -at COP27 in Egypt; Guam, a US territory, in April last year; and then two more islands at COP28 in Dubai: Palau and Curacao.
"In the Northern Mariana Islands, we understand the urgent and necessary imperative to transition to clean energy," Governor Arnold Palacios said.
"It's essential for economic development and energy resiliency. It's essential for survival. We are pleased to join our fellow islanders in the Blue Planet Alliance in moving the world to a greener and healthier future, powered by renewable energy.
"Islands are lighting the way," he added.
BPA founder Henk Rodgers said: "We have no time to waste."
"The clock is ticking on implementing real solutions to our planetary polycrisis. And foremost among them is the threat posed by the continued use of carbon-based fuels.
But, he said, too many people believe that eliminating fossil fuels is too difficult or unrealistic.
"We demonstrated in our work in Hawaii that not only is it necessary, but it is quite possible. Here in the Northern Pacific, we recognise that islands are the least responsible for and most vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change.
"That's why we are delighted and inspired that CNMI is joining our Alliance, and helping us spread the 100 percent renewable-energy message to others."
Pivot away from fossil fuels
The agreement highlights the CNMI's commitment to pivot away from fossil fuels and through the agreement signified that as a member of BPA would work together to help the CNMI government stay on track to reach their ultimate goal of 100 percent renewable energy by 2045 in a timely manner.
"Whereas the Blue Planet Alliance is going to end the use of carbon-based fuel in the world by 2045, and is ready to assist any island or country committed to achieving this goal, and whereas the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands has committed to achieving 100% renewable energy by 2045," the agreement states.
"The parties therefore agree to work together to ensure that the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands can achieve this climate-restoring benchmark. The parties further agree to work together to create a world in which humanity and nature live in harmony.
"Both parties will work to spread the message of 100 percent renewable energy to other islands and countries around the world," the agreement further states.