Bishop: Focus should be on reducing emissions

CLIMATE change is occurring much faster than it was initially predicted, Evangelical Lutheran church of PNG head bishop Rev Dr Jack Urame says.
In a letter to Prime Minister James Marape and other ministers in view of the Glasgow COP26 meeting, Rev Urame supported Marape’s comments at the United Nations General Assembly of PNG’s collective responsibility and commitment, saying: “We must take necessary measures in preventing human actions from worsening the climate crisis.
“Our Government should be making, with necessary legislation and policy, every effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and threats to our marine ecosystem.
“Specifically, our Government should act to address the issues of reducing carbon dioxide emissions from diesel-fired power plants, reducing emissions from the transport sector, funding initiatives for alternative and renewable energy technology, formulating incentives for the uptake of renewable energy, removing subsidies for fossil-based fuel sources and marinating correct disposal of mine waste.
“The goal is to prevent average global temperature from rising more than 1.5 degrees Celsius compared with levels before the industrial revolution.
“I understand that focusing on climate change is one of the many issues during these challenging times.
“However, we cannot wait until tomorrow.”
Rev Urame said the country should take bold action now to address the daunting issues climate change posed.
“The important role that church and faith-based organisations play in engaging communities are increasingly recognised globally.”