Papua New Guinea (PNG) has recognized the importance of addressing climate change for several years. The country's engagement with climate change policy has roots that can be traced back to various international agreements, particularly the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in the early 1990s and the Kyoto Protocol in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 2007, PNG launched its Climate Change and Development Strategy, which was a significant step in formulating national policies to address climate change.
In more recent years, the government has made commitments under international agreements, including the Paris Agreement, which it ratified in 2016. The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted by PNG outline the country’s commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience to climate change impacts.
Regarding future plans, the government of PNG aims to:
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Enhance Resilience: Focus on building resilience in vulnerable communities, especially in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, which are critical for food security and livelihoods.
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Sustainable Development Goals: Align climate policies with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of environmental sustainability.
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Renewable Energy: Invest in and promote renewable energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and increasing energy access for remote communities.
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International Partnerships: Strengthen partnerships with international organizations, NGOs, and other governments to secure funding and technical support for climate adaptation and mitigation initiatives.
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Community Engagement: Involve local communities in climate action strategies and projects, recognizing their traditional knowledge and integrating it into policy and decision-making.
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Monitoring and Reporting: Improve systems for monitoring and reporting on climate actions and their effectiveness, ensuring accountability and transparency in climate governance.
Through these actions, PNG aims to address the immediate threats posed by climate change while working towards sustainable development goals for its population.