Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister vows to return to UN climate talks, stressing the need for prioritizing forest conservation. After boycotting COP28 in Azerbaijan, he calls for accountability among major carbon emitters. Papua New Guinea will support Australia’s COP31 bid if conservation discussions remain central. The country seeks to address its vulnerabilities to climate change and highlight the importance of forests.
Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to participating in future United Nations climate summits after a boycott of this year’s COP28 talks in Azerbaijan. Citing the inadequacy of discussions without a focus on forest conservation, Marape emphasized that countries responsible for significant carbon emissions should financially support forest protection efforts.
In an interview, Marape stated, “Next year we will be in Brazil,” underlining his intention to prioritize forestry issues at the COP30 summit in Brazil, where the Amazon rainforest is located. The Prime Minister highlighted the essential role of forests in mitigating carbon footprints, asserting that addressing climate change must include managing forest resources effectively.
Papua New Guinea’s decision to boycott the recent climate talks stemmed from dissatisfaction with the lack of respect for forest business owners at the event. The nation, recognized for housing the third-largest rainforest globally, seeks to emphasize its unique geographical vulnerabilities, including susceptibility to natural disasters and the effects of climate change.
Papua New Guinea intends to support an Australian bid to co-host COP31 in 2026 provided that forest conservation discussions remain a priority. As one of five Pacific nations participating in a significant International Court of Justice case regarding climate obligations, the country’s leadership recognizes the critical intersection of environmental stewardship and international climate justice.
Despite being among the most affected regions by climate change, Australia continues to be a major exporter of fossil fuels, raising concerns about carbon footprints. The COP conferences facilitate dialogue on establishing legally binding climate commitments among nations.
The article discusses the position of Papua New Guinea regarding international climate negotiations, highlighting the nation’s priorities and grievances relating to the conservation of forests. Amid increasing global climate challenges, Papua New Guinea emphasizes the importance of forest preservation as a key factor in addressing climate change impacts, particularly as they pertain to nations with significant carbon emissions. Given its unique geographical and ecological status, the Prime Minister’s remarks underscore the strategic importance of tropical forests in climate discussions.
In summary, Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape expressed the country’s determination to re-engage in UN climate talks, focusing on the significance of forest conservation. By highlighting its ecological challenges and responsibilities, Papua New Guinea advocates for international cooperation in climate action, especially from nations with high carbon outputs. The country’s future involvement in climate dialogues reflects its commitment to preserving the environment while seeking justice in climate responsibilities.
Original Source: www.france24.com
