Makati City Mayor Abby Binay stressed the importance of women environment defenders in the fight against climate change and increasing the public's awareness on the different social and environmental issues the world is facing.
Binay, in a speech at the "She’s On Fire: A Conversation on Women and the Climate Emergency" forum hosted by the Masungi Georeserve Foundation Inc. with the Canadian government, stressed that raising awareness on the impacts of climate change on women requires a combination of local and global initiatives.
She added that there is also a need to create forums to discuss and analyze the specific needs of women in climate change adaptation, mitigation, and resilience.
“Women environment defenders are crucial in ensuring a brighter future for all. As powerful advocates, we are leading the charge to protect our planet, raise awareness about environmental issues, and ensure that our voices are heard,” Binay said.
A certificate of appreciation was presented to Binay by Executive Director of Spark Philippines Maica Teves, Ann Dumaliang of Masungi Georeserve, and Political Counsellor of Canada to the Philippines Colin Townson.
Aside from Binay, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte also attended the event where she outlined her city's climate initiatives and its role as part of the C40 Cities Network.
Belmonte highlighted Quezon City's programs on urban farming, active transportation such as the use of bike lanes, and circular economy wherein sustainable programs such as Trash to Cashback and Vote to Tote program are being implemented.
"She's on Fire: A Conversation on Women and the Climate Emergency" aimed to raise awareness of the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on women and to gain support for women environment defenders.
The event was created to gather local and international experts to share their insights and experiences with the community.
As a staunch advocate of mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and promoting sustainability, Binay spearheaded several programs in the city of Makati as she aims it to be one of the most environment-friendly LGUs not just in Metro Manila but in the whole country.
In August, she declared a state of climate emergency in the city and called for a whole-of-society approach in responding to the growing issues of climate change in the country and in the world.
The mayor laid out her administration’s programs and initiatives aimed at mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in the city which includes the procurement of electric vehicles (e-vehicles) to be used by the city government, the installation of solar panels in public schools and government offices to minimize energy consumption, and ensuring the continuity of services during calamities.
“We call upon everyone to come together and act now. We must ensure aggressive application of the whole-of-society approach in combating climate change. We heard the data. We understood the science. And we are feeling its impact. Now is a crucial time to act, and we need to act fast. We need thinkers, doers, and movers,” Binay said during her state of climate emergency declaration.
“The time for action is now. As the new breed of Makatizens and global citizens, it is our responsibility to take care of our city and ensure that it remains a livable place for future generations. We must promote sustainability and climate consciousness in all our actions. We must be the change we want to see in our city and the world,” she added.