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Both noted the seriousness of global warming, particularly for the small island states, and the need for a transition to clean, renewable energy. Although the small island states ìproduce only a tiny fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions,í Hayes said, ìthey are the most at risk for the calamities triggered by such emissions. The clean energy commitments by these island nations are exemplary. We hope that by using Earth Day to spread the word about what these countries are doing, we will prompt the larger nations into action.î St. Lucia, in the Caribbean, was the first to announce, in 1999, its intention to transform its energy system from a fossil-fuel base to renewables. Bishnu Tulsie of St. Lucia presented the highlights of his countryís Sustainable Energy Plan, which sets what he called ambitious targets for energy-sector privatization and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from power generation by 35 percent by 2010. ìWe have to and we will do whatever we can,î said Tulsie. ìAfter all, itís a question of our very existence.î Danish Environment Minister Svend Auken commended the efforts of the island nations in seeking alternatives to fossil fuels to combat global warming. He also spoke of Denmarkís recent demonstration of the use of renewable energy on the Danish Islands. Referring to the revenue earned from the export of renewable energy technology, Auken said, ìItís possible to do good things and still make money out of it.î Tim Roper of the Climate Institute encouraged larger and developed countries to follow the example being set by the smallest of nations. ìClean energy is central to the global effort to save the environment and also a tool for social and economic development,î Roper said.
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