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Japan Today
22-06-2025
- Business
- Japan Today
Guardians of the ocean: How SIDS are leading the 1.5°C agenda and what the world must do next
By Shafraz Rasheed Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are at the leading edge of the climate crisis. Threatened by rising sea levels, intensifying storms, and fragile marine ecosystems, these nations face existential risks to their economies, cultures, and ways of life. However, the vast oceans surrounding them offer more than just vulnerability they hold the key to resilience and global climate leadership. The ocean is not only a victim of climate change; it also plays a vital part in the solution. When approached sustainably, the "blue economy" can enhance climate resilience, reduce emissions, and sustain livelihoods in SIDS. The real challenge lies in unlocking this potential amid growing environmental threats and limited resources. The Blue Economy: Beyond Resource Extraction For many SIDS, the ocean is central to their territory and economic sustainability. Fisheries, tourism, shipping, and marine biodiversity are essential for development and food security. However, overexploitation, pollution, coral degradation, and uncontrolled coastal development have driven marine ecosystems to the edge. A sustainable blue economy prioritizes responsible utilization of the ocean to drive economic growth, social equity, and environmental conservation. Restoring mangroves and coral reefs, expanding marine protected areas, and promoting sustainable aquaculture represent nature-based solutions that capture carbon, safeguard biodiversity, and create jobs. U.N. Trade and Development (UNCTAD) states that climate initiatives based on oceans could provide more than 20% of the required emissions reductions by 2050 to restrict global warming to 1.5°C. SIDS are uniquely situated to lead this shift, but they require financial support, technology transfer, and equitable market access. Toward Ocean-Positive Development The United Nations Development Program's (UNDP's) "ocean-positive" development approach requires a fundamental shift in perspective. Instead of perceiving the ocean solely as a resource to exploit or a delicate ecosystem to protect, this approach combines climate initiatives, economic resilience, and social advancement. This demands a recalibration of global policies from the World Trade Organization to COP (the decision-making body of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change)to prioritize ocean health as an indicator of climate progress. For island nations, it includes expanding ocean-based renewable energy sources (such as offshore wind and tidal energy), creating marine-sector jobs for women and youth, and building climate-resilient infrastructure. Initiatives like the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA) bring together public and private stakeholders to finance coastal resilience through blue bonds, insurance schemes, and blended finance. Innovative Solutions: Solar-Powered Mobility A recent article from Japan Times (June 2025) highlights an emerging breakthrough: solar electric vehicles (solar EVs). These self-charging vehicles, equipped with solar panels, provide eco-friendly, cost-effective transit perfect for island environments. Solar EVs offer a compelling solution for SIDS, many of which face high transport emissions and dependence on fossil fuel imports. These vehicles are already being piloted in island nations, especially in marine tourism zones and port cities. Solar ferries and marine logistics systems powered by microgrids are also being tested, complementing wider efforts to decarbonize transport and strengthen energy independence. When integrated with blue economy initiatives, solar mobility systems reduce emissions, support sustainable tourism, and create new jobs in the green tech sector. From Vulnerability to Visionary Leadership Despite their size, SIDS have played a significant role in international climate diplomacy. They championed the 1.5°C target in the Paris Agreement, advocated for ocean conservation in U.N. forums, and pioneered financial instruments such as Seychelles' Blue Bond and Fiji's Green Bond. The Maldives is phasing out single-use plastics and adopting nature-based coastal protections. Samoa is investing in sustainable fisheries and renewable energy. Through alliances like AOSIS, Caribbean and Pacific nations are promoting climate-smart marine policies. These efforts prove that with appropriate assistance, small islands can become hubs of innovation and resilience, offering lessons for coastal areas globally. What the World Must Do Next To unlock the full potential of SIDS in leading the ocean and climate agenda, the global community must act decisively. First, climate finance must become more accessible, predictable, and tailored to island contexts through simplified procedures, concessional loans, and public-private investment models. Second, innovation must be fast-tracked in key areas including solar EVs, blue energy, sustainable fisheries, and ocean carbon markets. Third, ecosystems must be protected and restored through expanded marine protected areas, habitat conservation, and stricter anti-pollution and anti-overfishing measures. Fourth, trade systems must be reformed to ensure SIDS gain fair value for their marine exports and can build resilient, inclusive economies. Finally, stronger regional governance, maritime monitoring, and policy coordination will help secure the ocean commons for future generations. SIDS are more than climate victims. They are visionary leaders showing the world how to build a just, sustainable future rooted in ocean stewardship and resilience. Their success is our shared success. If we want to safeguard the planet, we must start by standing with its smallest defenders who are proving to be among its strongest. Shafraz Rasheed is a Maldivian diplomat serving in Japan. He holds a Master's degree in International Relations from China Foreign Affairs University. His research focuses on climate diplomacy in Asia and the Pacific, and the role of small states in shaping global climate and ocean governance. © Japan Today
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New cargo ship uses ancient methods for power — here's how it could revolutionize the industry
Long ago, wind was the No. 1 way to power a ship. Now, well over 150 years after that era, it looks like wind power is back in a big way. With it comes hope that we can cut back on pollution and change the course of humankind and our planet. In late January, the world's largest wind-powered ship launched in Turkey. The Neoliner Origin is 450 feet long and utilizes 3,000 square meters of sails to haul up to 5,300 tons of freight. It also boasts a massive reduction in emissions relative to comparable fuel-powered ships. Neoline President Jean Zanuttini told Agence France-Presse that by utilizing wind power and slightly reducing the ship's speed, "We can cut fuel consumption and therefore emissions by a factor of five compared with a conventional ship." Will America someday get all its energy from renewable sources? Yes — very soon Yes — by 2050 Yes — by 2070 Probably never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. While cutting out unnecessary pollution is crucial for protecting the environment, the greater challenge is in reducing emissions from the things that are crucial to us. According to U.N. Trade and Development, "over 80% of the volume of international trade in goods is carried by sea." That adds up to about 3% of global pollution, a major chunk relative to other industries. Reducing trade could reduce those emissions, but the impact that would have on the world economy and global health could be devastating. With the launch of the Neoliner Origin, there is hope that maritime shipping can continue to thrive while drastically reducing the industry's impact on the environment. By turning back to an ancient method of seafaring and combining a cutting-edge hybrid diesel-electric engine, this ship is charting a new, planet-friendly way forward. The Neoliner Origin is undergoing a six-month period of "fitting out," which essentially means the completion of construction. By summer, it will begin what could be its first of many trips to North America, kicking off a new, greener era of ocean travel.
