NEW YORK, USA — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. lamented the inaction of highly industrialized countries on climate change issues since the people in the least responsible countries suffer the most.
Marcos said this as he spoke at the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday afternoon, September 20 (New York time).
Marcos said climate change is the greatest threat affecting every country and every people, but its effects are uneven and reflect a historical injustice.
"Those who are least responsible suffer the most. The Philippines, for example, is a net carbon sink. We absorb more carbon dioxide than we emit. And yet, we are the 4th most vulnerable country to the effects of climate change," he said.
"This injustice must be corrected, and those who need to do more must act now," he added.
According to Marcos, countries like the Philippines accept their share of responsibility and will do their part to avert climate change. However, industrialized countries must step up.
"We call on the industrialized countries to immediately fulfill their obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement to cut their greenhouse gas emissions, provide climate financing and technology transfer for adaptation for the most vulnerable and developing countries to lead by example," he said.
President Marcos said all countries should act and not let the future generation suffer from the effects of climate change.
"When future generations look back, let them not ask why we did not take this opportunity to turn the tide, why did we continue in our profligate ways, until it was too late?" he said.
"This threat knows no borders, no social class, nor any geopolitical consideration. How we address it will be the true test of our time," he added.
The President said he was looking forward to concrete outcomes at the Conference of Parties in Egypt later this year.