Sustainable transition in small island developing states: Assessing the current situation

Abstract

Transitioning to sustainable energy systems is an overriding challenge for small islands. Indeed, these territories must succeed within the next decades with the objective of energy independence and transitioning to a sustainable situation. In this research, a statistical approach is performed to explore and discuss a comprehensive study on small islands' sustainability from the standpoint of renewable energy. It is about identifying whether small islands are moving toward a sustainability path. Three steps are necessary to achieve this. A principal components analysis (PCA) is first investigated to identify which explanatory variables have a significant contribution on the percentage of data variance. Then, PCA-based hierarchical clustering highlights the island organization in two different years (2010 and 2014). It is a panel of 35 Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) that served as a basis for the PCA and classification. Finally, a sustainability indicator is proposed to qualify the level of sustainability of each group of islands. Sustainability is understood through the lens of the share of renewables, the electricity situation, economic development and geographical localization. The obtained results clearly show that the dynamics of transition is not clearly engaged for the small islands. Most of them have actually become more vulnerable during the 2010-2014 time span.

Barriers to sustainable tourism for small hotels in small island developing states and some suggested remedies

“…When considering environmental challenges for SIDS and small hotels, Kelman (2019) examined energy requirements and use (including transportation and waste management) as indicators of environmental sustainability. Climate change impacts on island sustainability and tourism have meant that islands are now at the forefront of energy-related efforts (Praene et al , 2018; Weir, 2018). Given the contribution to climate change made by electricity generation, especially as many islands rely on diesel generators (which is the case in Cyprus) alternative forms of energy generation are needed.…”

“…Some of the small hotels use energy saving equipment, such as solar panels and A+ energy saving white goods fitted with smart technology such as electricity generation cards. As outlined by several authors (Praene et al , 2018; Weir, 2018) climate change impacts on island sustainability and tourism have placed islands at the forefront of energy-related efforts. Although the results in general indicated that hoteliers were aware of this, their main efforts for sustainability were for cost saving reasons.…”

Critiques of island sustainability in tourism

“…Climate change within island sustainability and tourism has placed islands at the forefront of energy-related efforts (Praene, Payet, & Bénard-Sora, 2018;Weir, 2018), given electricity generation's contribution to climate change, especially with many islands relying on diesel generators. Yet many islands experience energy overuse due to tourism (Dodds, 2007b;Ioannides & Holcomb, 2003).…”

Decarbonizing the Galapagos Islands: Techno-Economic Perspectives for the Hybrid Renewable Mini-Grid Baltra–Santa Cruz

“…Two decades ago, islands started the transition from only diesel power plants to hybrid renewable mini-grids to meet ambitious RE targets [7]. Regarding the current prices of RE technologies, hybrid systems are the most cost-effective solution for these territories [8].…”