How can pacific island countries meet their nationally determined contributions?

Pacific Island Countries (PICs) advocate for greenhouse gas emissions reductions but face many barriers in transitioning from fossil fuels. Despite these obstacles, PICs aim to shift to renewable energy to meet ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Research suggests that this is limited by state and regulatory capacity, market structures, and access to finance. While these problems are salient, this article argues that discussions remain overly focused on technical solutions. We argue that socio-cultural factors also hinder the transition, including international actors conducting program and project development in the Pacific that insufficiently reflect local context. Drawing on recent decarbonisation policy and renewable energy project examples we argue that PICs are more likely to meet their NDC targets if the transition is fostered through cultural practices for deliberative decision making, such as Talanoa, Talanga, and community-based approaches. Such practices will deliver maximum benefits to communities and ensure a just and sustainable transition.

Susan Park, Katherine Owens, Oliver Summerfield-Ryan, Madeline Taylor, Ana Maria Ulloa, Gemma Viney