CNMI joins Blue Planet Alliance

Bringing the CNMI into the Blue Planet Alliance as its newest member, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios signed the Blue Planet Climate Agreement yesterday at the Aqua Resort Club in Achugao.

The signing ceremony between Palacios and Hawaii-based Blue Planet Alliance executive director Francois Rogers was well attended by many dignitaries including visiting Guam Lt. Gov. of Joshua Tenorio, Guam Sen. Amanda Sheldon, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, and several guests from the University of Guam led by Dr. Austin J. Sheldon III.

Saipan Mayor Ramon Blas “RB” Camacho, members of the Legislature led by Senate President Edith Deleon Guerrero (D-Saipan), Northern Marianas College staff and students led by NMC president Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero, the Marianas Island Nature Alliance, as well as other government and private agencies, non-profits, and community members were also in attendance.

The agreement highlighted the CNMI’s commitment to pivot away from fossil fuels and through the agreement signified that as a member of the Blue Planet Alliance, the BPA would work together to help the CNMI government stay on track to reach their ultimate goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045 in a timely manner.

In his remarks Rogers said, “Today’s partnership that we will form together by having a joint alliance, along with many, many other islands that have already signed this agreement, it shows the unity and the collective effort that we need to work together to make sure that we achieve this. If we put our heads together, and set our minds, and set a deadline, anything is achievable. And I think that is the reason we’re here all today.”

Palacios also shared “The Commonwealth’s transition to renew its energy sources is more important now more than ever. As we see our neighboring islands in Micronesia and elsewhere throughout the world, climate change poses a significant threat to our environment, our economy, and our way of life. The urgency is certainly real, and the time to act is now.”

The agreement states “Whereas the Blue Planet Alliance is going to end the use of carbon-based fuel in the world by 2045, and is ready to assist any island or country committed to achieving this goal, and whereas the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands has committed to achieving 100% renewable energy by 2045, The parties therefore agree to work together to ensure that the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands can achieve this climate-restoring benchmark. The parties further agree to work together to create a world in which humanity and nature live in harmony.”

The agreement further stated “Both parties will work to spread the message of 100% renewable energy to other islands and countries around the world.”