PNG is carbon negative

Debra Sungi, Acting CEO of Climate Change and Development Authority, PM James Marape, and Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, Simo Kilepa, at the opening of the 42nd GCF meeting today (NBC News)

Papua New Guinea is eligible to access Green Climate funding or GCF

GCF Executive Director Mafalda Daurte when addresing Prime Misinster James Marape , board and digniteries of the 42 GCF meeting says PNG is not carbon neutral but carbon negative.

Mr Marape expressed satisfaction highlighting that PNG can now get funding for mitigation and adaption activities in the country and urged the global community especially those with large carbon footprints to take note.

"I was pleased this morning when the chairlady highlighted that Papua New Guinea is not just carbon neutral, but carbon negative. That’s a significant distinction.

"We are qualified. Our forests and oceans have a carbon absorption capacity of 100 million metric tons, while our current carbon footprint is around 10 million metric tons. That means we are carbon net negative by over 90 million metric tons—though this is, of course, subject to ongoing detailed assessments.

"This conversation will continue to grow in importance as we look to the future,"Marape said.

Prime Minister Marape added that as the country now into its 50th year, it’s crucial for people, especially the younger generation, to understand that conservation and sustainable development must always remain part of the national vision as laid by Pangu Pati since 1975.