Tonga makes commitment to address climate change [1]
Monday, December 7, 2015 - 23:20. Updated on Monday, December 7, 2015 - 23:24.
During the final round of talks on climate change in Paris, France, Tonga is the latest country to submit its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), joining over 150 Parties who have submitted their INDCs.
Tonga submitted its INDC on December 4 at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Tonga’s INDC spells out its intended local commitments in addressing climate change.
In a statement, Tonga's government representatives in Paris said it also reflects Tonga’s ambition for reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, taking into consideration its domestic circumstances and capabilities. Tonga also highlights the activities it will undertake toward achieving a climate resilient future.
"This INDC also articulates how the country is integrating climate change into other national, sectoral and community policies, plans and implementation of activities. It will be also used for negotiating and securing of funding from donors and development partners for its implementation," Tonga's Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications, said in the statement today.
Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, submitted the INDC. “The interference to the climate system from human-caused climate change is already affecting Tonga’s development, livelihood of its people and future,” he stated.
He stated that Tonga’s intended contributions include the following targets:
- 50% of electricity generation from renewable sources by 2020. In 2015 renewable energy accounts for approximately 9% of total electricity generation, with confirmed and funded investments taking this to 13% in 2016.
- 70% of electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030
- Improve Energy efficiency through reduction of electricity line losses to 9 percent by 2020 (from a baseline of 18 percent in 2010)
- To double the 2015 number of Marine Protected Areas by 2030
- Sector Emission Reduction Targets: Transport, Agriculture, Environment Friendly Waste Management and Reforestation
- Other Sectors Climate Resilience: Public Infrastructures, foreshore protection, buildings and houses.
“INDC is designed for both reduced emission and increased investing in climate resilience,” he stated.
Tonga is calling for a national response to avoid the much bigger costs caused by climate inaction.
Tonga's delegation to COP21 in Paris includes Paula Ma’u ( CEO for MEIDECC), Tatafu Moeaki (CEO for Finance and National Planning), Sione Sisifa (Solicitor General), HE Mahe’uli’uli Tupouniua (Tonga Ambassador to UN), Luisa Tuiafitu Malolo (Director for Climate Change), Leveni ‘Aho (Director NEMO), 'Ofa Faanunu (Director for Meteorology), Sione Talo Fulivai and Lilu Moala from Department of Climate Change.
Full text of Tonga's Intended Nationally Determined Contributions to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change:
Download [2] Tonga INDC .pdf