By Dalcy Lulua
PRIME Minister James Marape says PNG needs to develop its economy in a smarter and climate-resilient way.
He made these remarks during the launching of the Inclusive Green Finance Policy (IGFP) last week.
“We are currently on a high-carbon development pathway – which is good for our economy – and we need it to help a fast-growing population,” Marape said.
“However, the dangerous impacts of climate change are shortening the timeframe for us to enjoy this pathway.
“We have to think differently, we have to shift the paradigm to an inclusive low-carbon but richer economy for PNG.
“The Inclusive Green Finance Policy serves as a reminder for all of us to conduct our businesses in an environmentally-conscious manner.
“By offsetting our global and local carbon footprints and participating in the conservation of PNG’s tropical rainforest and mangroves, we can mitigate the impacts of climate change.”
“A green and inclusive PNG economy means we save our rainforests for the benefit of planet Earth and save our biodiversity so that we reduce our losses from the impacts of climate change and become resilient to its economic fallouts.”
