Conventional wisdom shows that island nations have the most to lose should the effects of climate change be allowed to run rampant, but in a sad twist are among the areas least responsible for the emissions that have put the world in this situation.

Among the most devastating, immediately-felt and science-backed effects that will come from climate change include rising seas (directly affecting the available land and public safety of island nations), more frequent and intense instances of extreme weather (which can cause the most damage to island nations that have the least ability to evacuate and prepare their infrastructure), and harm to growing seasons (with many island nations relying economically on agriculture exports). Each of these threats isn’t just a far-off threat that people can look at 2050 projects and lament about, these are affects that are already today being felt by these communities. However, the island nations have smaller economies, minimal industrial sectors, smaller carbon footprints, and overall have not been the ones gaining the edge on the world stage through historical and continued burning of coal and other fossil fuels for energy. Looking at the list of most emissions historically, even per capita, and the island nation communities won’t appear anywhere near the top. And yet they are still the ones that feel the impact.







When we talk about environmental injustice, this dichotomy is an example on a macro-level. These island nations, however, have chosen not to sit on the sidelines and lament their fate, they choose to take action. Because climate change is not just an idea but is already a reality to them, they’ve been increasingly banding together to innovate, to strategize, and to identify and implement solutions. The latest example of this take charge mentality comes in the form of the upcoming Virtual Island Summit.

Recognizing the reality that each of these island nations are, in fact, smaller and less likely to affect the change needed on their own, this Virtual Island Summit showcases how they can start to move the needle when they band together. Taking place from October 6 to October 10 2019, this summit will bring together climate and clean energy experts from around the world to share, discuss, and learn about sustainable practices specific to island communities. Some of the high-profile thought leaders who will serve as speakers include Australian Senator Christine Milne, world-renowned academic is Island Studies Godfrey Galdacchino, and leader of the Orkney Islands Council James Stockan. Beyond that, the over 5,000 attendees will come from island nations stretching across the globe, from Fiji to Jamaica, Greenland to Madagascar, Mauiritius to Taiwan, and many more.

Former Prime Minister of Aruba, Mike Eman, also touted his excitement for this conference (at which he will also be a speaker):

“The Virtual Island Summit is bringing together island communities from around the world with a shared purpose of making their islands more sustainable, more prosperous, and securing well-being for all their citizens.”

These minds will be brought together to discuss topics about how to adopt practices to prevent climate change as well as mitigation and prevention topics that are relevant to all the island communities who are facing the realities of climate change today. Speakers will cover sustainable development, how geopolitics factors into these issues, the importance of cultural preservation and responsible journalism, and other topics that string together these island communities in the face of the 21st century’s greatest challenge.

As if all of that wasn’t exciting enough, one of the key characteristics of this Island Summit: it’s literally virtual, all online, and free to the public. Again, leading by example these island nations are showing that great progress in industry mind-melding, critical networking, and shared learning are all possible in a conference that:

Doesn’t require all attendees to hop on an airplane and increase their carbon footprint

Is equitably available to interested stakeholders of all income levels

Focuses on the issues important to, and the intelligent and innovative solutions coming out of, smaller island communities

James Ellsmoor, who is founder of Island Innovation who’s hosting the conference and also a previous interviewee of this blog, described that the summit will “recreate an in-person conference experience to the extent possible, maximizing opportunities to exchange information between attendees. Not only that, but we are avoiding greenhouse gas emissions by moving to an online platform – demonstrating how technology can now be used to eliminate the need for much business travel.”

Bringing concerned environmentalists, climate advocates, and sustainability-focused scientists together to discuss these pressing issues is surely nothing new but doing so in a zero-carbon fashion by using technological solutions rather than relying on traditional, institutional ways of doing things is leading by example. While that may not seem revolutionary on its own, this type of action can move the needle and the exciting discussions and ideas that come out of it will simply add more fuel to the fire—but rest assured that it will be carbon-free fuel!

To find out more about the Virtual Island Summit, head over to the website. What are your thoughts on this new type of conference? Are you willing to see your energy- or climate-related conferences test out these approaches to walk the walk? Will you be checking out the Virtual Island Summit? Let me know these and any other items you want to discuss below in the comments or on Twitter.







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To read more insights into sustainability on island nations check out my previous interview with James Ellsmoor of Solar Head of State and the push for renewable energy in Jamaica.

About the author: Matt Chester is an energy analyst in Orlando FL, studied engineering and science & technology policy at the University of Virginia, and operates this blog and website to share news, insights, and advice in the fields of energy policy, energy technology, and more. For more quick hits in addition to posts on this blog, follow him on Twitter @ChesterEnergy.