Learn to help

 By TED WIKA KALEO
YOUNG people are educated, healthier and technologically advanced to help address climate change issues in the country, World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) representative Samuel Maiha says.
Speaking at the WMO Day celebrations and the launching of a mini conventional weather station at the University of Papua New Guinea on Monday, Maiha said young people who were knowledgeable about climate were the country’s biggest hope to assure weather and climate compatible developments.
He said in dealing with climate change issues, young people were the ones who would stand to be affected by the effects ranging from extreme weather events and developments.
“Youth can be a powerful actor of change. Climate action is not just about carbon emissions, it is about people, about the values we share and what each of us is ready to do to promote them,” Maiha said.
“Young people are the sources of innovation and fresh insights into problems and possible equitable solutions.
“We need to harness and equip them to address climate change issues like desertification, mangrove planting, dissemination of weather events and warnings in schools and rural areas where the population is not educated.”
UPNG fourth-year environmental and physics student Johnson Kilis said the new weather station would facilitate students’ learning and research projects relating to weather and climate change issues.