THE Minister for Environment and Conservation and member for Unaggai-Bena, called on all Members of Parliament and provincial governors to plan ahead and prepare for unforeseen natural events in light of global warming and climate change.
Mr Allan made the appeal following the devastation and destruction caused by floods in Oro provincerecently where more than 100 people were reported dead.
“I am appealing to all MPs and provincial governors to treat global warming and its effect on the climate very seriously,” he said.
He said that it was a sad thing to see what Oro was going through but at the same time the destruction and deaths caused there should be an eye opener for everyone.
“Proper budget appropriations must now be made to deal with natural disasters in our respective districts and provinces,” Mr Allan said .
He also extended his sincere condolences to the families of those affected in Oro and elsewhere and pray that they find solace and comfort in God at this time.
“Our leaders must realise now that climate change and global warming are for real and Papua New Guinea, like everywhere else in the world, will experience changes in their natural environment,” he said, adding that provinces like Manus, Milne Bay and East Sepik and Sandaun are already experiencing rising sea levels.
Mr Allan said that in the Highlands, changes in weather patterns had been observed giving way to new diseases like malaria, which the region has never experienced before.
Obvious negative effects of climate change included heavy flooding (experienced now in Oro), tidal waves and rising sea levels in the coastal provinces and change in weather patterns and heavy rains never experienced before, he said.
He said that Papua New Guinea and other Pacific Island countries were minor contributors to global climate change.
“We are highly vulnerable to their effects.
Globally, climate change is expected to cause an increase in deaths from malnutrition, heat stress and airborne diseases,” Mr Allan said.
He also appealed to health authorities in the country to be on the lookout for diarrhoea associated with flood and drought and an increase in malaria and dengue fever while an increase in sea water temperatures may exacerbate the spread and toxicity of cholera.
Mr Allan added that global warming would also have a marked impact on biodiversity where ecosystems in restricted ranges, including coral reefs and mountain systems are particularly vulnerable.
“Preparation is so important. Our people must be given better knowledge of climate trends and vulnerabilities.
“Together we must build resilience in communities by creating strategies that will help people cope with climate change and to prepare for natural disasters,” Mr Allan said.