(PIREP) Pacific Regional Energy Assessment 2004 : an assessment of the key energy issues, barriers to the development of renewable energy to mitigate climate change, and capacity development needs to removing the barriers : Regional overview report Volume 1

Abstract

The constraints to development faced by PICs are well known and have been discussed in numerous studies for several decades. These include small, highly dispersed land areas and populations; distances far from world markets; narrow resource bases and primary production options, and vulnerability to natural disasters such as tropical cyclones and droughts, the last two to being especially problematic for atoll countries. In the smallest, most resource-poor PICs, a sustainable future with an improved quality of life for a growing population will be difficult to achieve.