A Philippine-based nonprofit organization working on sustainable energy and fair climate policy appealed for the country's ambitious commitment to the Paris agreement to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) applauded House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda’s filing of House Resolution No. 1494, which calls on the Climate Change Commission (CCC) to deliver the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change.
The resolution calls on the House of Representatives to ensure the CCC submits the NDC "conveying the highest possible climate ambition in reflection of the government’s strong commitment to climate justice," not only because of the country's commitment to the Paris Agreement.
It must also be "in solidarity with worldwide vulnerable communities and the global community’s resolve to address the climate emergency and promote a sustainable pandemic recovery."
ICSC head of climate governance team Rex Barrer said the country needs an ambitious climate action plan that actually reflects major changes underway in the economy.
"To survive and thrive amidst the climate emergency and the pandemic, we need plans to be anchored on a bold economy-wide investment agenda. Deputy Speaker Legarda’s resolution, which cites both the climate and COVID crises, is the proper role of the House of Representatives as it exercises oversight on the country’s climate and energy policy," Barrer said.
"Legarda’s resolution is correct to cite significant advances made by the Department of Energy, Department of Finance, Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Interior and Local government, and the CCC, in reflecting President Duterte’s climate justice declarations and his sense of climate ambition. The positive impact generated by the work of these agencies must be fully reflected in our NDC so we can continue to credibly call out rich countries and the criminal neglect of their climate responsibility," he added.