Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister announced the country’s intention to return to UN climate talks, focusing on prioritizing forest conservation. The upcoming COP30 in Brazil is a crucial platform to push for accountability from nations with high carbon emissions. The country supports Australia in bidding to host COP31, emphasizing the need for discussions to center around forestry management. The government boycotted prior talks due to dissatisfaction with the treatment of forest business stakeholders.
Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea announced on Tuesday that the country intends to return to United Nations climate negotiations after boycotting the previous summit in Azerbaijan. Emphasizing the importance of forest conservation, Marape urged that discussions on climate change should prioritize the protection of forests, stating, “It is the forestry that clears the atmosphere of carbon and carbon footprints.” He highlighted that Papua New Guinea is committed to participating in COP30, scheduled for next year in Brazil, which is home to the Amazon rainforest, stressing the need for nations with significant carbon emissions to contribute to forest management efforts. Furthermore, he expressed support for Australia co-hosting COP31 in 2026 if the conference addresses forest conservation adequately. Papua New Guinea possesses the third-largest rainforest area globally, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth.” The recent climate summit boycott stemmed from dissatisfaction concerning the lack of recognition for forest business stakeholders, reflecting Papua New Guinea’s vulnerability to climate change despite its geographic advantages as a resource-rich island nation.
Papua New Guinea, known for its dense rainforests and significant biodiversity, has long been recognized as a critical area for global climate discussions due to its extensive forest cover. The country’s forests play a crucial role in sequestering carbon dioxide and mitigating climate change impacts. The government has previously expressed frustration over the global climate discussions’ focus, particularly in the context of its recent boycott of the UN climate summit, citing a perceived lack of appreciation for forest stakeholders. Marape’s call for prioritizing forest conservation signifies a shift towards more inclusive and environmentally focused dialogues in future negotiations, thereby enhancing the nation’s role in climate activism.
In conclusion, Papua New Guinea’s commitment to reengaging in UN climate negotiations underscores its urgent call for prioritizing forest conservation in global climate policies. Prime Minister Marape’s insistence on addressing the carbon contributions of larger emitters reflects a broader strategy to link climate action with forest management. As the nation navigates its vulnerabilities to climate change, the emphasis on protecting indigenous forests may shape discussions at upcoming summits, particularly with the aim of ensuring accountability from major polluting nations.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
