Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape has called upon the global community to take immediate and significant action against climate change, referencing the dire prediction of Earth reaching a “boiling point” due to human activities. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Marape highlighted the urgent need for industrialized nations and sectors with significant carbon footprints to collaborate with forest-rich countries like Papua New Guinea.
Marape emphasized that while PNG has historically acted as a carbon sink, supporting global efforts with its vast forests and oceans, it can only continue to do so sustainably with genuine international support. His comments reflect a broader sentiment among Pacific leaders who have become vocal advocates for climate action, urging for partnerships that assist these vital ecosystems without exploiting them.
Echoing sentiments shared by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who has previously praised PNG for its proactive environmental stance, Marape insisted that developed nations bear a special responsibility. He underscored the necessity of preserving forests, as outlined in Articles 5 and 6 of the Paris Agreement, and invited international cooperation in efforts to regenerate natural environments.
He also mentioned that while PNG has chosen not to impose carbon taxes, a strategy that acknowledges its carbon-negative status, it offers “green certificates” to companies operating sustainably within its economy. These certifications are a nod to the country’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices, which may serve as a model for sustainable economic activity worldwide.
Marape’s remarks reflect a consistent theme among Pacific nations calling for stronger global responses to climate change. This aligns with appeals from other Pacific leaders, such as Vanuatu’s Prime Minister, whose dire proclamations about planetary constraints highlight an urgent need for action. Leaders stress the importance of cooperative efforts to protect these vulnerable regions, which face unique existential threats due to rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events.
As the world convenes at upcoming climate discussions, such as COP30 in Brazil, hosted for the first time by a major forest nation, there is a renewed hope that these conversations will lead to meaningful action. Collective advocacy from Pacific island nations emphasizes resilience and the urgent need for global cooperation to tackle climate disparities and secure a sustainable future.
In a poignant ending, Marape reiterated the shared responsibility to protect Earth, calling on leaders at all levels to join hands in preserving the planet for future generations. This message of unity and action serves as both a warning and a beacon of hope for the international community.