GOROKA, 21 December 2011 (IRIN) - Unchecked population growth is fast proving an additional source of conflict in Papua New Guinea (PNG), a country with a history of clan violence [ http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?ReportId=91559 ] and clashes over land, experts say.

Climate Change in the Pacific is a rigorously researched, peer-reviewed scientific assessment of the climate of the western Pacific region. Building on the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, this two volume publication represents a comprehensive resource on the climate of the Pacific.

Introduction and Background

13 December 2011 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed concern today about mounting political tensions in Papua New Guinea, where two prominent politicians each say they are the Pacific country’s rightful leader.

Papua New Guinea’s Parliament voted earlier this year to elect Peter O’Neill as Prime Minister after determining that the post was vacant when incumbent Sir Michael Somare spent five months abroad for medical treatment, according to media reports.

Australia has today strengthened its commitment to effective and transparent aid with the online publication of detailed information on the work of Australia's aid program.

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd today launched a Transparency Charter for the Australian Aid Program in a statement to Parliament on the work to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the aid program.

'Australians should have confidence their tax dollars are making a real difference in the lives of people in need around the world,' Mr Rudd said.

The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, speaking in Bali at the East Asia Summit, today outlined the practical steps Australia will take to assist South-East Asian countries to address the challenges of climate change.

These will include helping some South East Asian countries phase out inefficient incandescent light bulbs, improve coastal ecosystems and build the capacity of communities to respond to climate change in the region.

HONOLULU, Hawaii — The United States on Friday announced a new Internet platform to fight disasters across the Asia-Pacific region as it urged greater investment and cooperation to save lives and costs.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton led a session of foreign ministers of the 21-member APEC bloc devoted to disaster resilience after a year of tragedy including earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand and floods in Southeast Asia.

SYDNEY — Violent ethnic clashes in Papua New Guinea's port city of Lae have left up to nine people dead and forced the closure of many businesses in the vital hub, Prime Minister Peter O'Neill said.

The rioting, which damaged and destroyed homes, businesses and other properties, has also reportedly left 1,000 people homeless.

O'Neill, who took the reins of the impoverished but resource-rich Pacific country in August, has ordered 120 extra police to the town and said he stood ready to impose a state of emergency if calm was not restored soon.

Last week, six people were killed in the Indonesian province of West Papua after separatists declared independence from Indonesia at a people's congress.

ABC television has obtained pictures of the aftermath of the shootings, which were alleged to have been carried out by Indonesian security forces, including anti-terrorist troops trained by Australia.

Indonesia says the declaration in the restive province is an act of treason and people have been charged according to the law.

West Papuan independence activists say the shootings were planned.

Small island countries like those in the Pacific are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The likelihood of extreme weather events such as sea level rise, extreme rainfall, droughts, increased and intensified tropical cyclones, and increase in sea surface temperature is expected to adversely impact Pacific DMCs economically, socially and environmentally. Alongside having to address climate change issues are the increasing and recurring urbanization issues which are exacerbated by climate change.