Aussies join climate fight

PAPUA New Guinea and Australia have agreed to work in partnership on an action plan to address climate change challenges.
The agreement was signed by Minister for Environment and Conservation John Pundari and his Australian counterpart Josh Frydenberg to acknowledge their commitment to implementing the Paris Agreement, which reinforces stronger regional cooperation to address climate change risks while contributing to mitigating climate change.
“Under the action plan, Australia will continue to support PNG to implement its commitment under the Paris Agreement,” Frydenberg said.
He said this would include enhancing the capacity of government institutions to implement climate change policies and to access international financing.
“Support will also focus on strengthening the resilience of rural communities and building climate-smart infrastructure in PNG,” Frydenberg said.
He said the two countries would also establish an annual dialogue on climate change to share lessons from their domestic actions, including reviewing activities under the action plan and identifying areas for cooperation on the regional and international agenda.
“In addition, the two countries will continue to work together to articulate and advance the climate change agenda on the international stage,” he said. Pundari was delighted to formalise the long standing partnership the action plan.
“Papua New Guinea faces major challenges in addressing the effects of climate change. We look forward to an even deeper partnership with Australia to address these challenges through this agreement.”
Minister Frydenberg is looking forward to working with PNG.
“This is a real opportunity for Australia and Papua New Guinea to partner to provide a strong voice for the Pacific on climate change. Australia and Papua New Guinea face unique challenges as a
result of climate change – this is a fantastic opportunity to work together to address them,” Frydenberg said.