MAJURO DECLARATION FOR CLIMATE LEADERSHIP

Following is an hand formatted copy of the Majuro Declaration for Climate Leadership.

The Majuro Declaration Web Site. The Canonical Source for information.
http://www.majurodeclaration.org/the_declaration

MAJURO DECLARATION FOR CLIMATE LEADERSHIP

1.   Climate change has arrived. It is the greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and well-being of the peoples of the Pacific and one of the greatest challenges for the entire world.

2.   There is an overwhelming scientific consensus that escalating greenhouse gas emissions continue to cause the sharp rise in average global temperatures over the past century, the alarming acidification of our oceans, the rapid loss of polar sea ice, sea-level rise, and the striking incidence of more frequent and extreme weather events all over the world.

3.   On 9 May 2013, atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide measured near the summit of Mauna Loa in Hawaii exceeded 400 parts per million for the first time since measurements began. In crossing this historic threshold, the world entered a new danger zone. Unless we quickly change course, global average temperatures are projected to rise by 4C or more above pre-industrial levels by the end of the Century, resulting in unprecedented human and environmental impacts.

4.   We,, the Leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum, underline the need for urgent action at all levels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions commensurate with the science and to respond urgently and sufficiently to the social, economic and security impacts of climate change to ensure the survival and viability of all Pacific small island developing States, in particular low-lying atoll States, and other vulnerable countries and regions worldwide.

5.   At the same time, we recognize that the necessary energy revolution and economic transformation to low carbon development is an unprecedented opportunity to enhance our security, protect and ensure the sustainability of our natural resources and environment, and to improve our people's health.

Our Responsibility to Act

6.   We confirm the responsibility of all to act to urgently reduce and phase down greenhouse gas pollution in order to avert a climate crisis for present and future generations.

7.   The responsibility of all to act falls to every government, every company, every organization and every person with the capacity to do so, both individually and collectively.

Our Commitment to be Climate Leaders

8.   We commit to be Climate Leaders.

9.   To lead is to act. In supporting this Declaration, a government, economic entity, company, civil society organization or individual commits to demonstrate climate leadership through action that contributes to the urgent reduction and phase down of greenhouse gas pollution.

10.   Recognizing our unique vulnerability to climate change, the predicted catastrophic impacts on the security and livelihoods of our people, and the significant benefits that come with our transition to renewable, clean and sustainable energy sources, we, the Leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum, confirm our climate leadership in the form of the commitments listed at the end of this Declaration. We also want to do more.

11.   We call on our partners to enhance, accelerate and ensure the effective delivery of their support for the design and implementation of the commitments of the Pacific small island developing States.

12.   We also call on others, in particular our Post-Forum Dialogue Partners, to contribute to the urgent reduction and phase down of greenhouse gas pollution.

13.   This Declaration is a platform for an upward spiral of action to urgently reduce and phase down greenhouse gas pollution. Those who support this Declaration are strongly encouraged to continue to scale-up their efforts by submitting for listing further specific commitments that contribute more than previous efforts to the urgent reduction and phase down of greenhouse pollution.

14.   In addition, we commit to accelerate and intensify our efforts to prepare for and adapt to the intensifying impacts of climate change, and to further develop and implement policies, strategies and legislative frameworks, with support where necessary, to climate-proof our essential physical infrastructure, adapt our key economic sectors and ensure climate-resilient sustainable development for present and future generations.

15.   This Declaration will be presented by the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum to the Secretary-General of the United Nations as a contribution to his efforts to catalyze ambitious climate action and mobilize political will for a universal, ambitious and legally-binding climate change agreement by 2015.

16.   This Declaration and the actions under it are intended to complement, strengthen and augment processes under way and commitments already made, including those under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol.

17.   We agree to review the status and implementation of this Declaration at the 45th Pacific Island Forum Leaders' meeting.

Adopted in Majuro, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, on this, the 5th day of September, 2013.

The primary site for this declaration and some related information.

Canonical Information

Signatories Commitments

Note this section reformatted for web use.

1. Australia
2. Cook Islands
3. Federated States of Micronesia
4. Kiribati
5. Nauru
6. New Zealand
7. Niue
8. Palau
9. Papua New Guinea
10. Republic Of The Marshall Islands
11. Samoa
12. Solomon Islands
13. Tonga
14. Tuvalu
15. Vanuatu

Australia

Subject Of Committment	Target or action	Where reflected	Year
Emissions Reductions	Australia will unconditionally reduce its emissions by 5% below 2000 levels by 2020, and by up to 15% by 2020 if there is a global agreement which falls short of securing atmospheric stabilisation at 450 ppm carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-eq) under which major developing economies commit to substantially restrain emissions and advanced economies take on commitments comparable to Australia's. Australia will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% on 2000 levels by 2020 if the world agrees to an ambitious global deal capable of stabilising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at 450 ppm CO2-eq or lower.	Letter of 27 January 2010 from Australia's Minister for Climate Change and Water to UNFCCC Executive Secretary: http://climatechange.gov.au/sites/climatechange/files/files/UNFCCC-letter-Jan-2010.pdf	2010
Renewable Energy	20% of electricity generation from renewables by 2020.	Australian Government,Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research, and Tertiary Education website, at http://www.climatechange.gov.au/reducing-carbon/renewable-energy/renewable-energy-target

The 15 Signatory Nations

Cook Islands

Subject Of Committment	Target or action	Where reflected	Year
Renewable Energy	50% of inhabited islands electricity needs to be provided by renewable energy in 2015, and 100% by 2020, through implementing the Cook Islands Renewables Energy Chart with key strategies that: 1. Ensure the use of proven renewable electricity technology options 2. Ensure the policy and regulatory environment is aligned with the 50% by 2015 and 100% by 2020 renewable energy goal 3. Ensure ongoing education, awareness and advocacy for renewable energy and energy efficiency 4. Strengthen the required capacity to implement the Cook Islands renewable energy targets	UNFCCC prototype NAMA registry, available at https://unfccc.int/cooperation_support/nama/items/6982.php Barbados Declaration on Achieving Sustainable Energy for All in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), available at http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/library/Environment%20and%20Energy/Climate%20Change/Barbados-Declaration-2012.pdf	2013 2012

The 15 Signatory Nations

Federated States of Micronesia

Subject Of Committment	Target or action	Where reflected	Year
Emissions reductions Renewable Energy	Decrease the import and use of imported petroleum fuels by 50% by 2020. 10% of electricity in urban centres and 50% in rural areas will be generated using renewable energy sources by 2020. FSM will have a net gain of area covered by forests between now and 2020. FSM will have a net gain of area and health status of coral reefs between now and 2020 FSM will remain a net importer of GHG through 2020.	FSM Strategic Development Plan (2004-2013), pp. 301-305, available at http://www.mra.fm/pdfs/news_StrategicPlan.pdf	2004

The 15 Signatory Nations

Kiribati

Subject Of Committment	Target or action	Where reflected	Year
Renewable Energy	Fuel reduction target for electricity generation in Kiribati by 2025: South Tarawa: 45% Kiritimati: 60% Rural public infrastructure: 60% Rural public and private institutions: 100%	IRENA profile on Kiribati, available at http://www.irena.org/REmaps/countryprofiles/kiribati.pdf

The 15 Signatory Nations

Nauru

Subject Of Committment	Target or action	Where reflected	Year
Renewable Energy	50% of electricity generation to by provided by renewable energy by 2020. Long-term milestone - Viable power generating capacity including alternative renewable energy sources by 2025.	Barbados Declaration on Achieving Sustainable Energy for All in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), available at http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/library/Environment%20and%20Energy/Climate%20Change/Barbados-Decl	2012

The 15 Signatory Nations

New Zealand

Subject Of Committment	Target or action	Where reflected	Year
Emissions reduction	Reduce emissions by 5 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020	http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-zealand-commits-2020-climate-change-target	2012
Emissions reduction	New Zealand is prepared to take on a GHG emissions reductions target of between 10 per cent and 20 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020,if there is a comprehensive global agreement. This means that: 1. The global agreement sets the world on a pathway to limiting temperature rise to no more than 2C; 2. Developed countries make comparable efforts to those of New Zealand; 3. Advanced and major emitting developing countries take action fully commensurate with their respective capabilities; 4. There is an effective set of rules for land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF); and 5. There is full recourse to a broad and efficient international carbon market.	UN document FCCC/SB/2011/Inf.1/Rev.1, p.6, available at http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/2011/sb/eng/inf01.pdf	2010
Emissions reduction	The Emissions Trading Scheme is New Zealand?s primary tool to help reduce New Zealand?s emissions and help New Zealand meet its international obligations under the United Nationals Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The NZ ETS has ensured New Zealand will meet its binding emissions reduction commitment under the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol. It will be a key tool to help NZ meet its 2020 target and any future targets, and will continue to develop through a series of independent reviews.	http://www.climatechange.govt.nz/emissions-trading-scheme/	2008
Renewable energy	New Zealand quantitative renewable energy targets are: 1. 90% of electricity generation from renewable sources by 2025 (in an average hydrological year), providing this does not affect security of supply 2. By 2025, utilise up to 9.5 PJ per year of energy from woody biomass or direct use geothermal additional to that used in 2005.	New Zealand Energy Strategy 2011-2021 and New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy 2011-2016 http:www.med.govt.nz/sectors-industries/energy/strategies	2011

The 15 Signatory Nations

Niue

Subject Of Committment	Target or action	Where reflected	Year
Renewable energy	100 % of electricity generation from renewables by 2020.	IRENA country profile for Niue, available at http://www.irena.org/REmaps/countryprofiles/pacific/niue.pdf	2011

The 15 Signatory Nations

Palau

Subject Of Committment	Target or action	Where reflected	Year
Energy Access Renewable Energy	Deliver clean, secure and affordable energy for all citizens of Palau while treating the environment responsibly. Respond to the risk of climate change by adaptation to changes and by mitigation through reducing greenhouse gases caused by the production an\ d use of energy.	Barbados Declaration on Achieving Sustainable Energy for All in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), available at http://www.u\ ndp.org/content/dam/undp/library/Environment%20and%20Energy/Climate%20Change/Barbados-Declaration-2012.pdf	2012
Energy Efficiency	A vision for a reliable and resilient energy sector delivering sustainable low emission energy services by: 1. Providing clear policy direction on the future of Palau's energy sector 2. Appropriate regulations to secure energy services at competitive prices 3. Maximizing cost efficient energyefficiency and renewable energy resources and conservation of energy while safeguarding the environment 4. Promoting environmentally sustainable energy technologies with the aim to substitute fossil fuels 5. Supporting consumers through the transition towards renewable energy
Renewable Energy	20% contribution of renewable energy to the energy mix by 2020. 30% reduction in energy consumption though energy efficiency and conservation	Palau Strategic Action Plan Energy Sector, p.9, available at http://www.rep5.eu/files/pages/file/Palau/ESSAP%20Final%20Draft.\ pdf	2009

The 15 Signatory Nations

Papua New Guinea

Subject Of Committment	Target or action	Where reflected	Year
Emissions reduction	Decrease GHG emissions at least 50% before 2030 while becoming carbon neutral before 2050	UN Document FCCC/AWGLCA/2011/INF.1, pp. 38-40, available at http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/2011/awglca14/eng/inf01.pdf	2011

The 15 Signatory Nations

Republic Of The Marshall Islands

Subject Of Committment	Target or action	Where reflected	Year
Emissions Reduction Renewable Energy Energy Efficiency Energy Access	Pursuant to the Republic of Marshall Islands 2009 National Energy Policy and Energy Action Plan, the 2011 National Climate Change Policy Framework and Joint National Action Plan (for climate change adaptation, energy security and disaster risk reduction), and the Green Energy Micronesia initiative: 1. A 40% reduction in CO2 emissions below 2009 levels by 2020; 2. Electrification of 100% of urban households and 95% of rural outer atoll households by 2015; 3. The provision of 20% of energy through indigenous renewable resources by 2020; 4. Improved efficiency of energy use in 50% of households and businesses, and 75% of government buildings by 2020; 5. A 20% efficiency improvement in transportation sector fuel use by 2020; 6. Feasibility studies and internationally supported financing plans for innovative "game-changing" renewable energy and sustainable development opportunities including Majuro atoll waste-to-energy and Kwajalein/Ebeye atoll OTEC plants undertaken by 2015	Barbados Declaration on Achieving Sustainable Energy for All in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), available at: http://www.un\ dp.org/content/dam/undp/library/Environment%20and%20Energy/Climate%20Change/Barbados-Declaration-2012.pdf	2012
Emissions reductions	40% reduction of CO2 emissions below 2009 levels by 2020, pursuant to the 2009 National Energy Policy and Energy Action Plan, and with subject to the provision of adequate international support.	UN Document FCCC/AWGLCA/2011/INF.1, p. 30, available at http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/2011/awglca14/eng/inf01.pdf	2010

The 15 Signatory Nations

Samoa

Subject Of Committment	Target or action	Where reflected	Year
Renewable Energy Energy Efficiency	1. To reduce the growth rate in the volume of imported fossil fuels by 10% by 2016. The high level indicators for this overarching goal/objective are:   a. Energy Sector Plan launched and implemented with at least 75% of targets achieved by 2016;   b. Increase in the contribution of RE to total energy consumption by 10% by 2016;   c. Increase in the supply of RE for energy services by 10% by 2016; 2. Increase Public and Private investment on Renewable Energy in transport fuels and electricity generation. 3. Energy regulatory function established.	Barbados Declaration on Achieving Sustainable Energy for All in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), available at http://www.un\ dp.org/content/dam/undp/library/Environment%20and%20Energy/Climate%20Change/Barbados-Declaration-2012.pdf http://www.mof.gov.ws/Portals/195\ /Energy/Samoa%20Energy%20Sector%20Plan-Final%20Version-Master.pdf	2012

The 15 Signatory Nations

Solomon Islands

Subject Of Committment	Target or action	Where reflected	Year
Energy Access Renewable Energy Energy Efficiency	1. Replace current use of imported fossil fuel for electricity generation by 100% by Year 2030 2. Increase access to reliable, affordable and stable electricity grid by 50% from the current 12% by Year 2030 3. Reduce the price of electricity by half the present tariff rate by 2020 4. Increase access to Solar-Home-Systems by remote rural dwellers located far from electricity grid from current 8.7% to 30% by Year 2020.	Rio+20 website, indicating voluntary commitment by Solomon Islands under the Barbados Declaration on Achieving Sustainable Energy for All in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), available at: http://www.uncsd2012.org/index.php?page=view&type=1006&menu=1\ 53&nr=250
Renewable Energy	50% of electricity generation from renewables by 2015.	IRENA country profile for Solomon Islands, available at http://www.irena.org/REmaps/countryprofiles/pacific/SolomonIs\ lands.pdf

The 15 Signatory Nations

Tonga

Subject Of Committment	Target or action	Where reflected	Year
Renewable Energy Energy Efficiency Energy Access	1. To reduce Tonga's greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy security through 50% renewable energy mix in the Energy Transformation sector by the end of the Tonga Energy Roadmap 2010-2020 [TERM] implementation period. 2. To improve efficiency of electricity supply and demand sides by 18% by the end of the TERM implementation period. 3. All Tongans shall access to clean, reliable and affordable energy services by the end of TERM implementation period. Establish phased, comprehensive set of action plans to put in place a long-term institutional arrangement, which provides strong leadership and coordination of energy sector activities.	Barbados Declaration on Achieving Sustainable Energy for All in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), available at http://www.un\ dp.org/content/dam/undp/library/Environment%20and%20Energy/Climate%20Change/Barbados-Declaration-2012.pdf	2012

The 15 Signatory Nations

Tuvalu

Subject Of Committment	Target or action	Where reflected	Year
Renewable Energy Energy Efficiency	1. Power Generation - 100% renewable energy between 2013 and 2020 2. Implementation Principles   - Solar PV 60 - 95% of demand   - Wind 0 - 40% of demand (if feasible)   - Biodiesel 5% of demand (import) Energy Efficiency - improvements of 30% of current annual demand of Funafuti.	Barbados Declaration on Achieving Sustainable Energy for All in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), available at http://www.un\ dp.org/content/dam/undp/library/Environment%20and%20Energy/Climate%20Change/Barbados-Declaration-2012.pdf	2012

The 15 Signatory Nations

Vanuatu

Subject Of Committment	Target or action	Where reflected	Year
Renewable Energy	100% of energy from renewables. 40% of power generation through renewables by 2015 65% of power generation through renewables by 2020	RENA country profile for Vanuatu, available at http://www.irena.org/REmaps/countryprofiles/pacific/vanuatu.pdf

The 15 Signatory Nations

The Majuro Declaration Web Site. The Canonical Source for information.
http://www.majurodeclaration.org/the_declaration
Download the PDF version of the Declaration.

Oceania 21 site.
http://www.oceania21meetings.nc/Majuro-s-Declaration_a354.html

Wikipedia Entry:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majuro_Declaration

The 15 Signatory Nations

Thorium Based Nuclear Power Is An Option

This page is not meant to be an in depth study of Thorium Reactors. Its an introduction to the fact that they have existed and are about to exist again. They have many benefits, and are a much more useful and manageable process than any current solid fuel Uranium based reactors.

You know those times , online usually, when some often well intentioned fellow traveller says that nuclear is the only truly green option ....

You / they / we may have read this
Treating the Symptom

Which doesn't really make a great case for keeping the current stock of Reactors. Or believing that a new crop has all bases covered.

The core arguments include;
• carbon capture is cool but not up to it.
• safer than coal.
• new reactors are safer than old designs

Well, assuming that the usage case implies a very high density fuel (as implied by Nukes), ask them why Thorium is not an option worth exploring.
If your going to exploit some of the most dangerous stuff in the solar system you may as well get it as right as it can be.
The safe operation of such potentially dangerous production, supply and disposal processes
should be intrinsically safe.
What are you going to be doing 200 years from now ?

The World Nuclear Association, has a page on thorium.
Wikipedia does as well. With references and cross links.
Thorium Nuclear power

Norway has a start and they have an abundance of North Sea Hydrocarbons.

This blended method can be readily used in rod type reactor... well maybe you wouldn't retrofit .. no idea how hard that would be.

Then there are Liquid (fluoride) Salt type reactors, a much better long term and scalable solution.
Liquid fluoride Thorium Reactor

Its all right there with references .

Finally point out that they are weighting the "base load" thing , and the "energy density" thing, mythologies way too highly in any case.
But hey, there are places it makes some sort of sense:
Norway India and China think so.

• Places with high population densities and low access to space and renewable energy, are one.
• Places where Nuclear and associated grid / support structures are already in place. These reactors can even help consume (some of) the waste.