Options for Mitigation and Adaptation Technologies for the Pacific Island Countries by Mahendra Kumar South Pacific Regional Environment Programme, Apia, Samoa

Outline of Presentation PICs background –vulnerability –GHG emissions Mitigation options Adaptation options Barriers Needs Conclusion

Pacific Islands Region Geographical isolation Fragile environment Rapid population growth Limited natural resource base Dependence on marine resources Vulnerability to natural hazards Vulnerability to external and global changes

Vulnerability to Natural Hazards Cyclones: high to medium Coastal flood: high (1 medium) River flood: variable Drought: medium to high (2 low) Earthquake: 3 high, low to medium Landslide: 3 high, low Tsunami: medium to high Volcano: 3 high

GHG Emissions 0.96 tonnes per capita p.a., –world average for 1996: 4.02 t/pa 0.2% population,.03% emissions OECD: 20% population, 50% global emissions

Question What is there to mitigate?

Mitigation Demand side: appropriate (more efficient) appliances (technology) to enhance efficiency Supply side –Improve efficiency by using better technology –New and alternative forms of energy: solar, wind, biomass, biofuels, ocean, mini hydro

Table 4: Options for Mitigating Greenhouse Gas Emissions (From Ellis, 1999

Table 6: Renewable Energy Resource Potentials of the Pics (From Johnston, 1995)

Adaptation Actions, activities, measures designed to ameliorate impacts of climate change Two main concerns for PICs –Extreme events –Sea-level rise

Priority Sectors Coastal zone Water resources Agriculture Fisheries Ecosystems Human health

Adaptation Technologies Definition of ‘technology transfer’ Adaptation technologies –Uncertainties on magnitudes and rate of impacts at local/regional level –Site specific –Local benefits –Not commercially attractive –Public & government sponsored

Coastal Technologies Crucial for small islands Existing best practices using traditional technology V&A assessments completed Need to identify available technology Enhance awareness and training to enable adoption and usage

Possible Adaptive Measures Agriculture –Salt-tolerant crops –Drought resistant cultivars –Crop diversification –Change in farming practices –Selection of suitable species

Coastal Zone Protection of mangrove system Protection of coral reefs Coastal management systems Foreshore revegetation & protection Prevention of pollutant discharge Control of aggregate removal

Water Resources Improved management and maintenance of existing water supply Improved water quality Catchment protection and conservation Drought preparedness Flood controls Protection of ground water

Human Health Reduction in heat stress by improved building designs Public awareness programmes about malaria, dengue and other vector borne diseases Improved quarantine measures Improved medical services

Barriers Lack of awareness about climate change, impacts and the linkages Lack of understanding about human influences Lack of awareness about technology and information dissemination mechanisms Lack of resources and skills Lack of appropriate national polices

Needs Awareness, public information, education training programmes on –Climate change and impacts –Role of technology to address these Institutional: regional/local centres for information dissemination, training, capacity building R&D: develop new technologies; adopt for local conditions Appropriate policies

Conclusion Identify priorities for PICs –Country driven Activities dependent on resources and technology Developed country obligations Integrated approach –Transfer of hardware –Training, capacity building, awareness raising –Involvement of all stakeholders