The government has reiterated its ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, with an interim target of a 50-percent reduction by 2030, at the recent Petroleum and Energy Conference 2024.
Recent reports indicate progress, particularly in the agriculture, forestry, and other land use sectors, which have successfully met initial CO2 reduction targets.
Papua New Guinea (PNG) Climate Change Development Authority (CCDA) Acting Managing Director Debra Sungi highlighted the collaborative efforts between the agency, the PNG Forest Authority, and National Energy Authority to advance these objectives.
Sungi said: “In our recent bi-annual update report, which we've submitted off to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, we have reached our target under the agriculture, forestry, and other land use, which is of 10,000 gigagrams of CO2 equivalent with zero debt in our recent findings.
“That is a positive step that the government have actually taken together with you all in terms of ensuring that we work together in a more sustainable way.
“Those targets are very specific for our agriculture, forestry, and other land use. And that is from our enhanced NDC, which was done back in 2020. We are in 2024, almost halfway through 2030.
“It's a 10-year target. It is a positive milestones which we have achieved together,” she added
Speaking at PEC24, Sungi, emphasized the urgent need for PNG to transition toward greener practices in the face of mounting climate challenges. Her remarks centered on leveraging nature-based solutions to combat climate change, while also promoting sustainable development.
Sungi highlighted the importance of the country’s forests, as reiterated by PNG Prime Minister Hon. James Marape.
"As we engage in international forums, we must fully utilize our forest resources," she stated, noting the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters over the past decade, which have disrupted traditional agricultural practices and altered weather patterns.
Despite contributing a mere 0.001% to global emissions, she argued that PNG cannot afford to ignore the impacts of climate change.
"If we don't take action now, we risk becoming one of the highest emitters in the future," she cautioned.
Sungi also addressed the challenges of financing climate initiatives, noting the delays often associated with accessing international funds like the Green Climate Fund.
"We need to mobilize resources effectively to respond to the immediate impacts of climate change," she urged, noting the importance of public-private partnerships.
The CCDA executive detailed specific goals for transitioning from fossil fuels, particularly diesel-powered plants, to renewable energy sources by 2030. She said the National Energy Rollout Plan outlines potential investments in cleaner energy solutions across identified provinces.
Moreover, Sungi announced recent amendments to the Climate Change Management Act, which will enhance governance around carbon markets, enabling better collaboration between the government, local communities, and the private sector.
This regulatory framework aims to streamline efforts in forestry management and carbon trading.
“I am pleased to say that even after the amendments of the Climate Change Management Act in 2023, we have made some few amendments to allow us as an authority to now manage and govern the space around carbon markets. And we have the regulation that maybe in a couple of days we will have a statement out that we have some endorsement.
“I would like to acknowledge our good Prime Minister in driving this agenda going forward together with our ministers,” she said.
“It a legislation that has been missing for a very long time. And having that around the forestry sector governs our work in terms of working together not only with our local communities, our landowners, but also with the private sectors around a different market approach, which we have identified another carbon market regulation.”
Sungi called for collective action, noting that achieving PNG's climate goals requires partnership across all sectors. "We must ensure that our development is sustainable and inclusive," she stated.
