If the larger and medium economies of the world have to be motivated to cut down immensely on the carbon footprints, it might be the smaller nations which have to set an example stating that it can be done in a manner easier than anticipated.
Tuvalu, the fourth smallest nation in the world with a population of 12,000 people intends to become the first zer0-carbon country in the world – an example which could surely influence others.
Tuvalu is wary of its future which is in jeopardy because of the global warming that has cause water levels to rise. Given the low-lying nature of the beautiful Island Nation (lies between Australia and Hawaii in the middle of the Pacific) and the rising waters, it might be off the World map in a century from now, if the measures to combat global warming are not put into place.
The highest point of the country is 15-feet above sea-level so you can image the plight of the people in the next few decades. As a beginning, a 40 kilowatt solar energy system has been installed on the roof of the country’s largest football stadium which succeeds in supplying 5% of the energy required by the Capital, Funafuti. This move has reduced the consumption of generator fuel shipped from New Zealand by about 17,000 litres.
The next expansion plan in place will render 46Kw energy for a school and the estimated cost of the project is $20 million. Tuvalu is surely on its way to be a country solely powered by wind and sun, but the rest of the world still lags behind. Cheerfully, this development will ensure that the astoundingly beautiful and bounteous island nation will stay on the world map.