SMALL ISLANDS INITIATIVE

While Small Island Developing States (SIDS) produce only a tiny fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions, many, because of their location barely above sea level, are among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change such as sea level rise and extreme weather conditions. Compounding their climate change challenge, small island nations struggle with expensive fossil import costs and an inability to supply electricity in rural areas. However, these nations are especially suited to utilize combinations of modern renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency due to the availability of renewable energy resources and current energy consumption patterns.

Since mid-1998 the Climate Institute has worked closely with members of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) to strengthen their capacity to adapt to climate change and to assist them in transforming their energy systems to a non-fossil fuel energy source. 

Global Sustainable Energy Islands Initiative

In November 2000 the Climate Institute brought four other world-class organizations together to establish the Global Sustainable Energy Islands Initiative (GSEII).  This consortium was organized to support the interest of all small island states and potential donors by bringing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, models, and concepts together in a sustainable plan for small island nations. The GSEII seeks to showcase national efforts to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The GSEII consortium partners are the Climate Institute, Counterpart International, the Forum for Energy and Development, the Organization of American States and Winrock International.

The GSEII has increased the visibility of the plight and enormous opportunities of small island states in the Caribbean and South Pacific. Progress has been made even though a lot still remains to be done.

The activities of the Climate Institute and the GSEII consortium have recharged the debate of sustainable energy and greenhouse emission reductions and also led to the development of several regional institutional arrangements.

GSEII Website