Papua New Guinea (PNG) is poised to showcase its commitment to combating climate change at the upcoming 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Brazil, according to Prime Minister James Marape. His participation highlights the nation’s unique experiences, particularly the struggles faced by Mortlock and Carteret islanders, who have been forced to relocate due to the adverse effects of rising sea levels, soil salination, and water contamination.
Prime Minister Marape emphasized the significance of PNG’s presence at COP30, noting that the conference serves as a vital platform under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, where world leaders negotiate essential climate agreements. With Brazil being the world’s largest forest nation and hosting the event for the first time, it offers a unique opportunity for forest nations like PNG to advocate for pressing environmental concerns.
“PNG’s participation is especially relevant within the framework of the Paris Agreement, where the management of forests and resources plays a crucial role,” Marape pointed out. He reaffirmed PNG’s commitment to protecting its forests, which act as important carbon sinks, while urging developed nations with larger carbon emissions to provide adequate compensation.
The Prime Minister also conveyed PNG’s expertise in both mitigation and adaptation processes within global climate discussions. He stressed the urgency of including sustainable ocean governance and forest resource management in climate dialogues, highlighting PNG’s rich biodiversity as a significant contributor to global ecological health.
As Marape prepares for his trip to Brazil, he expressed optimism that the discussions at COP30 would lead to tangible outcomes. This sentiment is echoed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who praised PNG for its proactive climate strategies, describing the nation as a leader in tackling climate change impacts despite its minimal global emissions. Guterres called attention to the responsibility of industrialized nations to support vulnerable regions, such as the Pacific, that disproportionately face the impacts of climate change.
As the world gears up for COP30, there is increasing optimism that the voices of Pacific nations, including PNG, will resonate strongly, prompting significant global action to protect fragile ecosystems and communities. This collective effort reinforces the notion of environmental stewardship and the crucial need for international solidarity in facing the climate crisis.