Zero CO2 emissions and zero fossil energy in 2050 A perfectly achievable goal for Madagascar

According to the most prominent global climate, the only chance to limit global temperature to 1.5 ° C and secure a healthy climate in the future is reaching to zero CO2 emissions and the use of fossil fuels by 2050. This requires the urgent establishment of a long-term vision. Several countries, including Costa Rica, Marshall Islands and Samoa have already committed to achieve zero CO2 emissions and zero fossil energy in 2050.

Madagascar, among the vulnerable countries who are requested to submit Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) as part of the Paris Conference (Cop 21), this goal is perfectly achievable. Indeed, the CO2 emission of Madagascar, currently at 0.01, is already among the lowest in the world. It is therefore sufficient to use clean energy for the development of sectors that emit greenhouse gases in the country.

Large hydropower potential

For the energy sector, the main engine of socioeconomic development, Madagascar has great potential for renewable energies. Just in terms of water, the country has 3000 km of rivers, 495 billion m3 of water available including 355 billion m3 of surface water and 140 billion m3 of groundwater. The hydraulic potential of the Great Island amounts to 7800 MW.

Thus, investment in hydro dams should increase access to electricity in rural areas. The gradual replacement of thermal power plants of the national electricity and water company JIRAMA by central supplied by renewable energy is a sustainable solution to shedding problems in big cities. In all cases, new energy infrastructure built in the future should exploit renewable sources of energy.

The cheap access of the population to electricity will reduce deforestation. Indeed, 80% of the trees victims of deforestation are used as firewood and coal by households. Coupled with the extension of the sale of carbon credits, the massive reforestation of the Great Island and the vulgarization of agroecology techniques, the transition to green energy will achieve the goal of "zero CO2 emissions, zero fossil energy in 2050 ".

Preparation of citizens

According to recent estimates of the United Nations (UN) on the evolution of the population in the countries of the world, Madagascar will have 55,293,760 inhabitants in 2050 and 105 499 410 inhabitants in 2100. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is estimating for its part that the water scarcity and weather problems due to climate change could reduce global food production capacity and seriously affect food security, nutrition and health. On the other hand, Madagascar is expected to become the agricultural breadbasket of the Indian Ocean and Africa, but also a supplier of China for the coming years due to its abundant farmland.

The Malagasy population is predominantly rural (80%), the state should now put in place mechanisms that would allow the population to benefit from the projects that will be developed as part of this becoming "agricultural breadbasket" and projects green energy, as well as get used to all citizens resilience techniques.

Three questions to Dr. Michel Omer Laivao, National Focal Point on climate change in Madagascar

"The contribution of Madagascar to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases should not hinder the socio-economic development of the country"

The Regional Training Workshop on National Adaptation to Climate Change Plan (NAP) for Portuguese-speaking countries, African island states and least developed countries, which was held from 7 to 11 September 2015 at the Carlton Anosy focused on strengthening the capacities of developing a NAP. On the sidelines of the event, we had an interview with Dr. Michael Omer Laivao, National Focal Point on climate change in Madagascar.

Question 1: The PNA is a very important document for the state because it concerns a medium and long-term projection of adaptation to climate change. What are the benefits for Madagascar to have been the host of this regional training workshop?

Dr. Michel Omer Laivao: The training was provided by the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG). Besides greater international visibility in the field of climate change through hosting the event, Madagascar was the case studied during the five days of training. The visit of sites where some farmers have already adopted, with their own means, adaptation to climate change has been included in the agenda of the workshop. In addition, the outline of the PNA of Madagascar could be designed during training. It will serve as a model of inspiration for the NAPs of other participating countries. The next step in the NAP process for Madagascar will be the development of the NAP, in consultation with the various stakeholders.

Question 2: It is expected since the beginning of the year that Madagascar submit a Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) as part of the Paris Conference (Cop 21). What are the mitigation measures that will be implemented by the country?

Dr. Michel Omer Laivao: Indeed, the INDC submission deadline is 01st October 2015. Madagascar is expected to submit its in the coming weeks. Regarding mitigation, the fight against climate change is already included in strategic documents of the state. As a LDC country, the contribution of Madagascar to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases should not hinder the socio-economic development of the country. The National Office of Climate Change Coordination (BNCCC) within the Ministry of Environment, Ecology, Sea and Forests plans to continue and strengthen measures within the scope of the clean development mechanisms in the sectors emitters of greenhouse gases. In the energy sector, strengthening of the collaboration with the Energy sector, we plan to educate and develop the use of renewable energy. Recycling of waste as it is already done in some municipalities should also be extended. In the natural resources sector and forests, Madagascar massive reforestation and the fight against deforestation is a priority now. The Ministry in charge of the environment through BNCCC also working with the agriculture as the sector was impacted by the adverse effects of climate change.

Question 3: According to the classification of the UNFCCC, Madagascar belongs to 3 groups: the least developed countries, African Group and the G-77 Group and China. The Great Island is also among the most vulnerable countries to climate change. What are our expectations of Cop 21?

Dr. Michel Omer Laivao: The main expectations of Madagascar: First, we hope that the Cop 21 will see the realization of a multilateral agreement where all UNFCCC member countries will participate, taking into account the principles of the Convention, including the common but differentiated responsibility and according to country capacities. Secondly, we would like that the adaptation, which is a priority for developing countries, is taken into account in the discussions. It is true that the Cop 21 focuses on mitigating climate change, but the implementation of the Convention means such as finance, development and technology transfer, and capacity building should be included in the final outcome of the climate negotiations too.

Ra Dom

To read the original version in French, please click on the following links:

http://www.matin.mg/?p=13428

http://www.matin.mg/?p=13432