The Opposition Leader, Joseph Lelang, has opposed the Government’s decision to amend the country’s Climate Change Act, saying that the changes are not suitable for the country.
Mr. Lelang said amending sections 38 and 39 of the Act to impose a levy or tax on fuel and carbon-content products coming into the country will definitely create worse problems for the people. He said inflation will kill off the small sectors; in fact, many have now closed their doors.
Lelang said the importance of Climate Change and its effects cannot be denied, citing the affected marine provinces and parts of the highlands; however, the context of the bill is not suited to Papua New Guinea (PNG) and its people.
The Opposition Leader said the Amendment applies to countries under Annex 1, and under this category are countries that are the major polluters in the environment.
That is why Lelang said that these amendments are not appropriate for PNG because PNG is home to the third largest rainforest in the world and produces nil green gas emissions and isn’t included in the Annex 1 group.