Tuvalu to Go Carbon Neutral by 2020 in the Face of Rising Sea

by alia_d | July 20, 2009 at 03:43 pm

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Tuvalu, the fourth tiniest country in the world, has announced that it plans to go carbon neutral by 2020, when it plans to generate 100% of its energy from renewable energy sources.

"We look forward to the day when our nation offers an example to all -- powered entirely by natural resources such as the sun and the wind," Kausea Natano, minister for public utilities and industries, said in setting the 2020 target.

Tuvalu is also urging more action to combat climate change, as the country, whose highest point is only 15 feet above sea level, faces the possibility of being submerged with rising sea levels.

Currently, 5% of the energy needed to power the capital of Tuvalu is generated by solar cells on top of its soccer stadium. During the years leading up to 2020, Tuvalu, which has a population of 12,000, plans to build additional sources of solar and wind power that will cost $20 million.

In addition to Tuvalu, 10 other nations have pledged to become carbon neutral.

Costa Rica
Ethiopia
Iceland
Maldives
Monaco
New Zealand
Niue
Norway
Pakistan
Portugal

Most of these countries have relatively small populations, and their pledges are unlikely to make a significant difference in the overall battle against global warming.

But many environmentalists say their stance is nevertheless important, as they provide a lead for other countries to follow.