The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) has taken a historic step toward moving toward a cleaner, greener future. Governor Arnold Palacios earlier this week signed the Blue Planet Climate Agreement, a document declaring the CNMI’s intention to commit itself on the path to a 100% renewable-energy future.
The CNMI becomes the sixth Small Island Developing State (SIDS) country or territory to sign such a document, officially joining our nonprofit Alliance in a growing movement to demonstrate to the rest of the world that a carbon-free-fuel future is indeed possible.
Previously, BPA had signed agreements with two islands — the Kingdom of Tonga and the Government of Tuvalu, both UN Member States — at COP27 in Egypt; Guam, a U.S. territory, in April last year; and then two more islands at COP28 in Dubai: Palau and Curacao.
“In the Northern Mariana Islands, we understand the urgent and necessary imperative to transition to clean energy,” said Governor Palacios. “It’s essential for economic development and energy resiliency. It’s essential for survival. We are pleased to join our fellow islanders in the Blue Planet Alliance in moving the world to a greener and healthier future, powered by renewable energy. Islands are lighting the way.”
“We have no time to waste,” added Henk Rogers, founder of BPA. “The clock is ticking on implementing real solutions to our planetary polycrisis. And foremost among them is the threat posed by the continued use of carbon-based fuels. But too many succumb to the assumption that eliminating fossil fuels is too hard or even impossible. We demonstrated in our work in Hawaii that not only is it necessary, but that, importantly, it is quite possible. Here in the Northern Pacific, we recognize that islands are the least responsible for and most vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change. That’s why we are delighted and inspired that CNMI is joining our Alliance, and helping us spread the 100% renewable-energy message to others.”
