Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III has called on young innovators to contribute their skills and ideas in the fight against climate change, and spearhead efforts to educate and motivate the country’s youth to take action in protecting the planet’s future.
Dominguez said fresh ideas from young minds will help the newly appointed National Panel of Technical Experts (NPTE) of the Climate Change Commission (CCC) implement “achievable, coherent, concerted, and compelling climate action programs on the ground.”
"We have no time to waste. We have to act now to build the resilience of our communities, reverse the degradation, protect our vital food sources, and save our planet,” said Dominguez during the launching of Klimathon on Wednesday, Oct. 20.
Klimathon is an innovation lab focused on new and workable solutions that can help address current issues and challenges about the climate crisis.
“As bearers of the future, the youth--who will live through 2030 and beyond--have the greatest stake in overcoming this crisis. It is therefore very important that you understand this issue and take the lead in reversing this destructive course,” he added.
Klimathon, a portmanteau of the terms “klima and “hackathon,” invites students and innovators aged 16 to 24 years old to present project concept papers on three climate change concerns: plastic waste management; energy efficiency and renewable energy; and food security.
A joint project of the CCC and Nestle Philippines, Klimathon will choose 10 finalists who will undergo a mentorship program with industry and field experts to refine and further develop their project designs. Cash prizes and recognition also await the winning teams.
Dominguez expressed the hope that Klimathon will result to tangible and concrete climate solutions that can be replicated across the country.
The finance chief said he hopes to bring the insights and perspectives of young Filipinos, especially those that will be presented in the Klimathon, to the global arena when he takes part next week at the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Scotland.
“To the participants of this forum, I want you to become role models who will educate, encourage and motivate the youth to take action to protect the future of our planet,” Dominguez said.
Dominguez said he expects Klimathon to help spur the sustained engagement of the Philippines’ next generation in fighting climate change.