Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister Reiterates Commitment to UN Climate Talks
Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape promises participation in UN climate talks after skipping this year’s summit to highlight the need for forest conservation. He emphasizes that climate discussions must focus on carbon absorption from forests and plans to advocate for compensation from high-emission countries. Marape’s government also supports Australia’s bid to co-host COP31, contingent upon prioritizing forest management.
The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape, has committed to attending future United Nations climate conferences after boycotting this year’s meeting in Azerbaijan. Marape emphasized the significance of prioritizing forest conservation during climate discussions, stating that last year’s summit did not cater to the interests of forest stakeholders. Looking ahead, his country plans to participate in the COP30 summit in Brazil, advocating for compensation from nations with large carbon footprints to support forest conservation efforts.
Marape remarked that discussions on climate change would be futile unless they prominently feature the management of forests, which play a crucial role in carbon absorption. He expressed a deep connection to forestry, describing it as vital for mitigating climate change impacts. Papua New Guinea aims to influence the upcoming Australian bid to co-host COP31 in 2026, contingent on placing forest conservation topics at the forefront of the agenda.
The island of New Guinea harbors the third-largest rainforest in the world, highly regarded for its role as one of the Earth’s vital carbon sinks. Papua New Guinea declined to attend the recent UN climate summit, criticizing the host country for not adequately respecting forest entrepreneurs. The nation, grappling with poverty and natural disaster risks, is acutely vulnerable to climate change effects and is part of a landmark case aimed at holding polluters accountable for their climate responsibilities.
Despite Pacific nations facing significant climate threats, Australia, a major coal and gas exporter, continues to draw scrutiny for its environmental policies. The decision regarding Australia’s bid to host COP31 is pending due to ongoing disputes with Turkey, with the outcome anticipated to stretch into 2025. The annual COP conference serves as a key platform for nations to negotiate and establish legally binding climate commitments.
Papua New Guinea is a Pacific island nation recognized for its vast rainforests, which play a critical role in global carbon absorption. The country faces severe vulnerabilities related to climate change, exacerbated by its economic challenges and geographic location. The COP (Conference of the Parties) is the premier UN climate summit where nations discuss and negotiate their commitments towards addressing climate change, making participation vital for countries like Papua New Guinea that are significantly impacted by these issues.
In summary, Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape has pledged to return to UN climate talks with a focus on elevating forest conservation as a priority. His commitment to participation in upcoming summits and discussions reflects the urgent need for integrating forestry management in global climate strategies, vital for mitigating the effects of climate change. The country’s involvement in international climate discussions underscores its vulnerability and advocacy for effective actions by larger polluting nations.
Original Source: www.france24.com
