Papua New Guinea’s Environment Minister, Simo Kilepa, Wednesday sounded the alarm at the High-Level Meeting on Sea-Level Rise, branding it a “twin disaster” for his nation and other Pacific countries battling the climate crisis.
“There is no time to lose, and therefore this meeting is a step in the right direction,” Kilepa emphasised, highlighting the urgency of confronting the rising sea levels and supporting affected communities.
“We must confront together the causes of the rising sea levels and provide the support our people need to adapt, build resilience, and empower them to remain in their homelands.”
Kilepa stressed that the unique cultures, heritage, and natural resources of Pacific Island nations are at risk.
“At serious stake is our unique way of life, the cultures, heritage, and invaluable natural resources, including rich biodiversity, economies, and our identity as a people,” he said.
The minister also warned of the potential for political and security issues if action is not taken soon.
“It also poses peace and security threats from potential conflicts within and between dislocated communities and others. This must not be taken for granted,” he cautioned.
Relocation, Kilepa stated, should only be a last resort.
“In such a situation, we cannot but stress the need for potential pathways that provide protection, safety, and dignity,” he said.
Addressing the broader climate crisis, Kilepa highlighted the importance of international cooperation, particularly in light of insufficient climate finance.
“We’ve been seriously concerned that the climate finance we need is not happening at the speed and scale required, and in some cases, like in one country, there is hardly a trickle,” he said.
“We need better support on this front, from the multilateral system.”
He reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s commitment to the declarations made by Pacific leaders.
“We reaffirm the importance of the declaration endorsed by our leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum in 2021 on the preservation of our maritime zones in the face of climate change-related sea-level rise, and in 2023 on sea-level rise and statehood and protection of persons,” he said.
“Similarly, we support the remarks by the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), including the Declaration on sea level rise and statehood announced by Samoa as chair of the AOSIS at the high level meeting.”
Kilepa issued a compelling call to the international community to translate their promises into action, urging nations to honour their commitments under the Paris Agreement.
“The agency to address the climate crisis as a key cause of the worsening sea-level rise cannot be overstated. We must apply our ambition to the Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, and not only in words but rather in substantive action – now, particularly by the largest emitters of carbon emissions,” he stressed.
