Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape, announced plans to return to UN climate talks after a boycott, advocating for increased focus on forest conservation. He criticized the recent summit in Azerbaijan and affirmed support for Australia’s bid to co-host COP31 if forest management is prioritized. The country, vital for its rainforests, aims to hold major polluters accountable as it faces climate vulnerabilities.
Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape, announced on Tuesday the country’s intention to participate in future UN climate summits after boycotting this year’s discussions. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing forest conservation in climate talks, asserting that conversations regarding climate change would be ineffective unless they focused on forest management. With the COP30 summit scheduled to take place in Brazil next year, Marape expressed a commitment to advocating for nations with large carbon footprints to finance forest conservation initiatives.
Marape criticized the recent UN climate talks held in Azerbaijan, labeling them a “waste of time” due to a lack of respect for forest business interests. He underscored the vital role forests play in mitigating carbon emissions, stating, “It is the forestry that clears the atmosphere of carbon and carbon footprints. Forestry is close to our heart.” Additionally, he noted that Papua New Guinea would support a bid by Australia to co-host COP31 in 2026, contingent upon the prioritization of forest conservation.
The island of New Guinea is noted for having the third-largest rainforest in the world, often referred to as one of the “lungs of the Earth.” However, Papua New Guinea’s decision to boycott the UN climate summit was driven by feelings of marginalization. The country, vulnerable to climate change’s impacts, is engaged in an International Court of Justice case exploring the accountability of polluting nations for their climate commitments.
Despite the increasing dangers faced by the Pacific nations from climate change, Australia continues to be a major fossil fuel exporter. The selection of Australia to host COP31 has been delayed amidst competition from Turkey, extending the decision-making process into 2025. The annual COP conferences serve as critical platforms for countries to establish legally binding climate commitments and foster international cooperation on climate change.
The article highlights Papua New Guinea’s position concerning global climate negotiations, revealing the country’s previous boycott of the UN climate summit and its consequent commitment to return for the upcoming COP30 in Brazil. Emphasizing forest conservation, Prime Minister James Marape articulates the importance of forests in combating climate change, given the nation’s ecological significance as part of the Pacific region. Furthermore, the article discusses the implications of climate change for Papua New Guinea, illustrating their advocacy for accountability among polluting nations and the ongoing challenges posed by climate-related disasters.
In summary, Papua New Guinea’s renewed commitment to participating in UN climate talks underscores the nation’s emphasis on the crucial role of forest conservation in addressing climate change. Prime Minister Marape’s strong advocacy for environmental stewardship reveals a determined effort to engage with global narratives on climate responsibility. As the nation prepares for future summits while navigating challenges, the push for greater respect for forest management reflects their urgent desire for meaningful dialogue and action within the international community.
Original Source: www.france24.com
