Climate Change

The Falepili Union — inked by Mr Albanese and Mr Natano at the end of the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Rarotonga — will open a new pathway to Australian residency for Tuvalu's citizens threatened by rising seas, while giving Australia effective veto power over any new security agreements struck by the Pacific island nation.

CCDA in partnership with the Government of Australia issued the call last month for a concept note focusing on Climate Change, however, extended by another month to give ample time for the concept note to be submitted.

Funded through the PNG Australia Partnership, successful candidates will be awarded research grants to support the research project for a period of 12 months.

There are two categories of funding for this research grant: student and open category.

The aim of the program, themed "Greening the Future," was to raise awareness about the importance of mangroves and promote their conservation.

 The program received support from the district administration under the Kombiu Local Level Government, which facilitated an integrated climate change approach; incorporating the work of fisheries, agriculture, and climate change authorities.

Witnessing this small yet significant occasion were officers from the provincial fisheries division, provincial climate change unit, district officials, alongside the Matupit community.

The Daru Port in Western Province which will be redeveloped into a ‘Green Port’ will pilot this concept, says Officer In Charge of PNG Ports, Ian Hayden-Smart.

While speaking during the 2023 Developing Sustainable Resilient Infrastructure in the Blue Pacific Conference in Brisbane, last week, Hayden-Smart said this redevelopment would cost about K52 million (USD15mil).

This has prompted the councilor of Ambenob Ward 1 to all for responsible government authorities intervene quickly with solutions to mitigate the effects in order to assist in minimizing the fast deteriorating islands.

Rodney Selan is the Ward 1 council member for North Ambenob, responsible for most of the islands surrounding Madang town.

Since the effects of climate change has devasted his communities, he has invited the Provincial Disaster Office to tour around Krangket Island and see first-hand the state of the island.

These were remarks made by NCD Governor Powes Parkop at the 2^nd Climate Change Summit, which concluded in Port Moresby today.

Governor Parkop said the summit brought out the importance of the commitment that was made by the government to protect the natural environment.

“I want to remind all of us again about our commitment towards addressing climate change one of which is the Paris Agreement; what we Papua New Guineans have (committed) to the Paris Agreement.

The province is currently facing threats of a drought, which could have severe consequences for both the environment and the local communities.

In the case of Madang, the potential drought threat could impact agriculture, fisheries, and hydropower generation. Already there has been continuous power outages resulting in water cuts, because water supply pumps need power supply to generate water in town.

The launching on Thursday 3^rd of August was officiated by members of Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), the Minister for Environment Conservation and Climate Change Simon Kilepa and key partners. 

Papua New Guinea has taken a global lead in seeking to combat climate change since 2005 at COP11 in Montreal, Canada when PNG and Costa Rica introduced the concept of REDD+ to the United Nationals Framework Conservation on Climate Change. 

Taking center stage is the nearing completion of the Kimbe Market redevelopment project in West New Britain, which places great emphasis on environmental sustainability throughout its design. Here are the notable features incorporated into the market:

The market buildings will be equipped with an impressive array of 100 solar panels, harnessing the power of the sun to supply electricity and lighting, reducing the reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

This plan marks a key milestone in the partnership between the two nations and outlines various areas of collaboration aimed at supporting PNG's involvement in international carbon markets.

Under the Joint Action Plan, PNG will receive support from IPCOS, which has committed AUD104 million over a span of ten years.