ACTIONS: Climate Change in 2025, Climate Change Projections for 2050 and Beyond

As the world grapples with the increasingly evident effects of climate change, the focus in 2025 is expected to be on "Adapting and Advancing: Nature and Technology in Harmony". This potential theme for Climate Change Progress 2025 reflects the dual need for resilience and innovation in the face of the challenges projected for 2050 and beyond. 

Between 2030 and 2050, WHO estimates that climate-sensitive diseases, including malaria, will cause 250,000 more deaths each year. THE GLOBAL FUND

Building Resilience Through Nature-Based Solutions

The projections for 2050 paint a stark picture: rising sea levels, more frequent and intense extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems. However, the theme of "Adapting and Advancing" emphasizes the importance of nature-based solutions. 

Preserving and restoring forests, mangroves, and wetlands can play a crucial role in mitigating climate change impacts. Forests sequester carbon, reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. 

Mangroves and wetlands act as natural barriers, protecting against coastal erosion and storm surges. Restoring these ecosystems not only promotes biodiversity but also builds resilience for communities facing the brunt of climate change. 

Bridging the Gap with Technological Advancements

The theme also acknowledges the potential of technological advancements in addressing climate change. 

The rapid development of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power is crucial for reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, advancements in carbon capture and storage technologies could help offset remaining emissions, preventing them from entering the atmosphere. 

Embracing these innovations alongside nature-based solutions offers a path towards a more sustainable future. 

Climate Change Projections 2050

Climate change projections for 2050 paint a concerning picture if we don't take significant action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Here's a breakdown of some of the key projections:

• Temperature Increase: Global average temperature is projected to rise by 1.5°C to 4°C (2.7°F to 7.2°F) by 2050 compared to pre-industrial levels. This increase will have a domino effect on weather patterns and ecosystems.

• Sea Level Rise Sea levels are projected to rise by 0.3 to 0.8 meters (1 to 2.6 feet) by 2050. This rise will threaten coastal communities, inundate low-lying areas, and disrupt ecosystems.

• Extreme Weather Events: More frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, floods, wildfires, and storms are expected. These events will cause widespread damage to infrastructure, displace populations, and disrupt food production.

Unusual floods in Dubai / April 2024

• Ocean Acidification: Increased absorption of carbon dioxide by the oceans will make them more acidic. This will harm marine life and disrupt the ocean's role in regulating climate.

• Mass Extinctions: Climate change could accelerate the rate of extinction of plant and animal species, disrupting ecosystems and impacting biodiversity.

These projections are not set in stone. The actual outcomes will depend on the choices and actions taken in the coming years. By focusing on reducing emissions, investing in renewable energy, and implementing adaptation strategies, we can mitigate the worst impacts of climate change and create a more sustainable future.

The Road Ahead: Adapting While Aiming High

While the projections for 2050 raise serious concerns, they also serve as a call to action. The progress made by 2025 in terms of emission reductions and adaptation strategies will significantly influence the severity of climate change impacts in the decades to come. 

By focusing on adapting and advancing, we can build a more resilient future, protecting both our planet and its inhabitants. This requires international cooperation, strong policies, and continued investment in clean technologies and natural resource conservation.

By working together, we can navigate the challenges of climate change and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Endangered Species in Papua New Guinea Listed 2019 Data

Papua New Guinea is known for its rich biodiversity, but unfortunately, many of its unique species are at risk of extinction. 

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, there are currently 45 endangered species in Papua New Guinea, which include amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, and vascular plants. 

This article provides the names of the endangered species in Papua New Guinea listed in 2019.

Endangered Species in Papua New Guinea

The list of endangered species in Papua New Guinea includes:

1. Thryssa rastrosa (Oblique-jaw Thryssa)
2. Dendrobium pachythrix
3. Dactylopsila tatei (Tate's Triok)
4. Actenoides bougainvillei (Bougainville Moustached Kingfisher)
5. Pteralopex anceps (Bougainville Monkey-faced Bat)
6. Rattus vandeuseni (Van Deusen's Rat)
7. Dendrolagus matschiei (Matschie's Tree-kangaroo)
8. Horsfieldia ralunensis (Nutmeg)
9. Peroryctes broadbenti (Giant Bandicoot)
10. Paphiopedilum papuanum (Papua Paphiopedilum)
11. Phalanger lullulae (Woodlark Cuscus)
12. Chelodina pritchardi (Pritchard's Snake-necked Turtle)
13. Pitta superba (Superb Pitta)
14. Sticta alpinotropica
15. Calophyllum morobense
16. Calophyllum waliense
17. Echymipera davidi (David's Echymipera)
18. Alsophila klossii
19. Paphiopedilum glanduliferum (Gland-Bearing Paphiopedilum)
20. Thylogale lanatus (Mountain Pademelon)
21. Bulbophyllum tinekeae
22. Ornithoptera alexandrae (Queen Alexandra's Birdwing)
23. Helicia insularis
24. Melomys matambuai (Manus Melomys)
25. Gymnopholus lichenifer (Lichen Weevil)
26. Thylogale calabyi (Calaby's Pademelon)
27. Diospyros gillisonii
28. Diospyros insularis
29. Santalum macgregorii
30. Paramelomys gressitti (Gressitt’s Paramelomys)
31. Dendrobium kauldorumii
32. Dendrolagus notatus
33. Bulbophyllum bliteum
34. Pogonomys fergussoniensis (D’entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys)
35. Bulbophyllum cimicinum
36. Otidiphaps insularis (Black-naped Pheasant-pigeon)
37. Oryza schlechteri
38. Chaetodontoplus vanderloosi
39. Cetreliopsis papuae
40. Ponapea hentyi
41. Paphiopedilum violascens (Shimmering Purple Paphiopedilum)
42. Solomys salebrosus (Bougainville Giant Rat)
43. Neopomacentrus aquadulcis
44. Paphiopedilum wilhelminae (Wilhelminha's Paphiopedium)
45. Bulbophyllum hiljeae

 IUCN Red List

The IUCN Red List categorizes species based on their for the conservation of these endangered species.

It is important for the government of Papua New Guinea to address the root causes of biodiversity loss, such as habitat destruction, overhunting, and the introduction of invasive species. 

Community-based conservation initiatives can also be effective in engaging local people in the conservation of their natural resources.

PNG is home to a rich and diverse 

We know that Papua New Guinea is home to a rich and diverse array of plant and animal species, many of which are currently facing the threat of extinction. 

Acknowledging that the IUCN Red List serves as an important tool for monitoring and assessing the conservation status of these species. will help conservation efforts. 

All in all, it is up to all of us, as individuals, communities, and governments, to take action to protect these species and preserve the unique biodiversity of Papua New Guinea for generations to come. 

Carnivorous Plants from Kew Gardens, London

In Papua New Guinea, carnivorous plants are commonly seen growing among the grasses, especially the 'Kunai' grasses, in the highlands and in many other parts of the country.

Photo taken at Kew Garden

Carnivorous plants common in PNG

These stunning plants are also found in the wild in the coastal areas - growing on the small hills, near the red clay soils and abandoned gardens.

I have never thought they could make really good house plants until I saw these familiar, but bizarre plants at the Kew Gardens in London. These plants are growing in a glasshouse where it is humid and tropical.

Here is a story of a Papua New Guinean working with the Kew Garden teams - read about it here on PNG Writers Corner.

What is what Kew say about the carnivorous plants

These plants come from a wide range of different landscapes and climates but all have evolved weird and wonderful adaptations to trap and consume prey. 

The prey they trap helps to provide the plant with nutrients they would otherwise find hard to obtain in their natural habitats and helps to keep them healthy and strong. 

Video on my visit to Kew Gardens

Have you seen these plants?

Have you seen the carnivorous plants growing in the village or near where you are? Let us know if you have seen them - comment below.

International Forest Day: 10 Facts About Forest and People We Do Not Know

 The Internation Forest Day 2021 in on Saturday 21st of March. It is widely known that there is a NEED to look after out forested areas. The theme for 2021 #IntlForestDay is - “Forest restoration: a path to recovery and wellbeing” 

PNG Insight photo | Varirata National Park, Port Moresby

It's time PNG observe the #IntlForestDay as a matter of national importance. (PNG Insight | Twitter)

Logging companies must now pay for their crimes against our environment, our country, and our people.

To celebrate Internation Forest Day, we collected 10 facts that have been shared on Twitter about this very important event. We believe we should all know so that we appreciate what the forest areas mean to us as Papua New Guineans: 

1. Forests absorb greenhouse gases 

Forests absorb nearly 1/3 of all CO2 [carbon dioxide gas] released from burning fossil fuels every year. Forest restoration could remove another 26 gigatons of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. @FAOForestry

2. Logging companies destroy forests

Logging companies take away forests with the promise of development that never comes." But 

@UNDPinPNG has a better way to support communities that Protect Forests (UNDP IN PNG)

3. International Forest Day is on the 21st of March 

The International Forest Day is on the 21st of March every year.  Logging companies in PNG have destroyed forests, rivers and habitats in many coastal areas.  Worst in parts of the New Guinea Islands. It's time PNG observe the #IntlForestDay as a matter of national importance.

4. People are dependent on the forest for survival

"Forestry is not about trees, it is about people. And it is about trees only insofar as trees can serve the needs of people.” - Westoby, 1967

5. Foundation of life and community

Forests are the essential backbone of well-being for us and #ForNature as a whole... Without them, mankind wouldn’t even exist.”  Director for Sustainability Solutions Mari Pantsar

6. Forests are the lungs of the earth

They host 75% of the world's terrestrial biodiversity this, therefore, means that millions of people, plants and animals are dependent on the future of forests which are under a constant threat of deforestation and global warming.#IntlForestDay

7. Tackle Climate Change & biodiversity loss

Expanding our forests is one of the most efficient ways to tackle Climate Change & biodiversity loss. @UNDPClimate

8. Biodiversity as a tourist attraction

 "The main tourist attraction is the massive biodiversity of birds, plants, fish, reefs and coral. Although large-scale mass tourism may threaten the delicate eco-systems here, and so needs to be controlled and managed, our resort alone provides employment for more than 75 families, as well as livelihoods for more than 50 resource owner groups." (UNDP)

9. Forest, medicines and healing

Long ago, it [the sap from the birch tree] was even used as a mouthwash. Not only that, it was used to cure spots and fade freckles! The bark can be used to make an anaesthetic and is also antiseptic too. Forestry England

10. Forests and sustainable investments

“Forests and trees are our most precious green infrastructure. We need a new economic model that properly values forests and stimulates investment in landscapes and sustainable growth." @CIFOR

Read about illegal logging in Papua New Guinea

Research and conservation in Papua New Guinea

• Varirata National Park: Port Moresby's Best Kept Secret - Must See
• Research and Conservation in Papua New Guinea
• People behind conservation in Papua New Guinea 

Please share this message with your friend and families. Contact us on Twitter for more information of Conservation efforts and article about conservation in PNG.