Developing countries can no longer afford to "suffer more" in the face of the climate crisis and the coronavirus pandemic, President Duterte said Wednesday in asking nations to honor their commitments under the Paris environmental accord.
Addressing the virtual United Nations General Assembly for the first time, the President said the same urgency needed to fight coronavirus outbreak is needed to address the climate crisis.
The 2015 Paris agreement aims to limit temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius by committing the signatories to reduce carbon emissions by 2030. The pact also seeks to enhance the ability of countries to deal with climate change impact and support them in their efforts.
"This is a global challenge that has worsened existing inequalities and vulnerabilities from within and between nations. Climate change has worsened the ravages of the pandemic," the President said.
"Peoples in developing countries like the Philippines suffer the most. We cannot afford to suffer more," he added.
Duterte also issued an appeal to the concerned countries to support climate action and meet their carbon-cutting goals.
"The Philippines joined the Paris Agreement to fight climate change. We call on all parties, especially those who have not made good their commitment to fight climate change, to honor the same," he said.
Duterte likewise appealed to all parties to strengthen communities and peoples for disaster preparedness and resilience. "We are talking about mankind and Earth, our one and only home," he said.
In March 2017, the Philippines signed the Paris pact on climate change restricting greenhouse gas emission.
Duterte earlier expressed misgivings on endorsing the Paris climate change deal due to concerns it might hinder the country’s industrialization efforts. He believed that the climate change deal was lopsided in favor of rich countries which have reached industrial growth. He later changed his mind and signed the Paris climate pact.