Papua New Guinea has been struck by tragedy. The recent floods and landslides have claimed at least 23 lives, a devastating loss for our nation. While extreme weather events are a part of life in our region, the severity of this disaster demands a hard look at our preparedness and, more importantly, our role in mitigating future catastrophes.
Papua New Guinea is ground zero for climate change. Ranked as the world's 16th most at-risk country, we are already experiencing the consequences of a warming planet. The heavy rain and king tides that battered our shores are a stark reminder of this vulnerability.
The deforestation of our lands for palm oil plantations and foreign timber companies is a significant contributor to the worsening floods and landslides. These practices strip away the natural defenses that our forests provide, leaving our communities exposed. We cannot afford to prioritize short-term economic gains at the expense of our long-term safety.
What do we do? We need decisive action. We need to invest in early warning systems, disaster preparedness programs, and sustainable development initiatives. We need to hold those who exploit our environment accountable. The lives lost this week are a wake-up call. We must act now to protect our people and our nation from the intensifying threats of climate change.
•
•
36 w
There is need for improved disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts
•
36 w
This tragedy must serve as a wake-up call for decisive action to protect our people and nation from the escalating threats of climate change. 🌏🙌
•
36 w
This is very devastating. Papua authorities need to move fast and contain the situation.
•
•
36 w
@esther_wanjiku_785 The situation need urgent attention.
•
36 w
This is very sad. It should be a wake up call to many countries which are very poor in disaster preparedness.
•
•
36 w
@rukia_ahmed_abdi A lot of countries have really let themselves and their citizens down in regards disaster management and preparedness. This is from disasters of fire, drought, climate change, earthquakes and even manmade disasters like war. We require strict measures and implementation to ensure all nations will be ready when disaster eventually strikes.
•
•
•
36 w
Dear Munene Mugambi Your climate warning has received over 50 agrees! We have reached out to James Marape by email and requested a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! To reach more people and increase the chance of a response, click the Share button above to share the review on your social accounts. For every new member that joins We Don't Have Time from your network, we will plant a tree and attribute it to you! /Adam, We Don't Have Time
•
•
36 w
It's heartbreaking to hear about the tragedy in Papua New Guinea. We must prioritize disaster preparedness to prevent such devastating losses in the future.
•
•
36 w
@princess_nel_268 Disasters, whether natural or man made, have devastating impacts on lives and livelihoods and must be prioritized.
•
36 w
A very devastating situation,necessary measures should be taken and prepare in advance to avoid losing lives
•
•
36 w
@elizbeth_gathigia The blame on lack of preparedness falls solely on the leadership as the people have entrusted to them the instruments they need to save the electorate from such maleficence but what do the leaders do with all this power? They use it to enrich themselves while leaving their citizens distraught and in abject poverty without any help when a problem arises. Tragic! Tragic! Tragic!!!!!