Effects of Climate Change in Papua New Guinea

Story by: ELSIE LOUISE AMBRIAS

Location: PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Elsie is a resilient project manager, creative leader from Lae, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. A survivor of gender-based violence, she has transformed her experiences into a mission of empowerment, dedicating herself to raising her four daughters with dignity and hope while actively engaging in women’s community initiatives, youth recreation, and sports activities. She blends technical precision with artistic vision, using poetry, songwriting, and cultural pride to inspire healing and unity. Her journey reflects courage, resilience, and a commitment to building stronger families and communities.

Introduction

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is home to 7% of the world’s biodiversity, with rich forests, coral reefs, and inland waters. Yet, climate change is already reshaping our environment and threatening the livelihoods of millions. As someone deeply rooted in community advocacy, I share this story to reflect both the effects of climate change and the efforts of conservation in PNG.

Effects of Climate Change in PNG

• Rising sea levels: Coastal villages, especially in island provinces, are experiencing saltwater intrusion, destroying food gardens and contaminating drinking water.

• Extreme weather events: More frequent floods, droughts, and cyclones disrupt agriculture and infrastructure.

• Agriculture impacts: Staple crops like taro, yam, and sweet potato are increasingly vulnerable to unpredictable rainfall and pests.

• Health risks: Warmer temperatures and flooding increase the spread of malaria, dengue, and waterborne diseases.

• Cultural loss: Traditional knowledge tied to land and sea is under threat as ecosystems change.

Conservation and Community Action

Despite these challenges, communities across PNG are taking- action:

• Grassroots conservation: Local groups protect mangroves, forests, and reefs to buffer against climate impacts.

• Awareness campaigns: Advocacy on tuberculosis and climate resilience has reached thousands, blending creative presentations with community dialogue.

• Youth and women empowerment: Girls and women are being supported to access education and resources, ensuring future leaders can champion sustainability.

• Traditional practices revived: Communities are replanting native species and using customary land stewardship to maintain balance with nature.

Personal Contribution

I participate by:

• Supporting community projects with legal drafting and documentation, giving people tools to protect their land and resources.

• Make awareness on how to protect and conserve our environment.

• Advocate on ways to avoid causing more contribution to the climate change, like encourage tree planting, discourage burning of bushes unnecessarily.

Closing Statement

Papua New Guinea’s story is one of loss and resilience. Climate change threatens our biodiversity, food security, and cultural heritage, but through conservation, education, and community solidarity, we continue to fight for a sustainable future. My contribution is to amplify these voices and ensure that the struggles and solutions of PNG are heard globally.