Impact of Climate Change and Accessing Services in Papua New Guinea

With rising sea levels, changes in rainfall, increased frequency of El Niño-type conditions, and increased intensity of cyclones, the Pacific Islands region is exposed to climate change. A large proportion of the people are marginalised and are among the most vulnerable and least prepared to cope with its impacts. There are many competing definitions of the concept of vulnerability, but in the context of the Pacific Islands countries (PICs), it is referred to as the lack of power, influence, and control of those affected by climate change. The lack of power is reflected where access to resources is minimised. This can be viewed in various ways, including a lack of access to basic services such as enabling infrastructure, transport, hospitals, and others. In addition, the lack of access to income-generating opportunities further complicates the challenges imposed by the impact of climate change. In most of the PICs, including Papua New Guinea (PNG), Kiribati, Vanuatu, Marshal Islands, and Cook Islands, the chances of access to basic needs such as food, water, and land for survival are threatened. Approaches to dealing with climate change, displacement of people, and issues of traditional land ownership and relocation must be taken seriously. The paper presents some challenges of accessing services mainly caused by lack of effective management by the government of Papua New Guinea in the midst of climate change.