Papua New Guinea will boycott the UN Climate Change Conference COP29, citing ineffective outcomes and frustration with global commitments. Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko criticized the conferences as a “total waste of time” and expressed doubts about the sincerity of pledges made by major polluters, emphasizing the need for tangible action to address climate change impacts.
Papua New Guinea has officially declared its intention to boycott the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference, COP29. Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko expressed this stance, stating, “There is no point in going there if we fall asleep because of jet lag because we don’t achieve anything.” He remarked on the pervasive concerns regarding the effectiveness of the conferences, stating that significant commitments from major polluters often fail to yield tangible benefits for vulnerable nations such as Papua New Guinea. Tkatchenko articulated his frustration, noting, “All the big polluters in the world are pledging and committing millions to help and relieve the climate. And I can tell you right now that it’s all going to consultants.” He further emphasized his disillusionment with the United Nations climate meetings declaring, “The COP is a total waste of time. We are fed up with the rhetoric and also the endless loop of having achieved absolutely nothing in the last three years.” The UN Climate Change Conference COP29 is set to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, starting November 11. The conference aims to discuss the urgent necessity of phasing out fossil fuels and to explore mechanisms for financing climate protection initiatives. Following COP29, Brazil is slated to host COP30 next year. Papua New Guinea, known for housing the third largest area of rainforest globally and often termed the “lungs of the earth,” faces unique challenges. It is surrounded by oceans and is vulnerable to natural disasters, making it particularly susceptible to the repercussions of climate change despite its significant ecological contributions.
The decision by Papua New Guinea to boycott COP29 highlights ongoing concerns among developing nations regarding the effectiveness of international climate negotiations. Despite being home to crucial biodiversity and natural resources, Papua New Guinea struggles with economic challenges and is constantly threatened by climate change impacts, including natural disasters. This situation calls into question the real efficacy of international commitments made by larger, industrialized nations at these conferences, where discussions often fail to translate into meaningful action for those most affected by climate change.
In conclusion, Papua New Guinea’s boycott of COP29 reveals a growing frustration towards the perceived ineffectiveness of UN climate conferences, particularly from the perspective of smaller, vulnerable nations. The sentiments expressed by Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko underscore the urgent need for substantial and actionable commitments from major polluting nations to address climate change responsibly. The country’s decision not only reflects its disappointment with the status quo but also serves as a call for more serious engagement in global climate discourse that leads to concrete results for those affected.
Original Source: www.bluewin.ch
