The Paris Climate Agreement and the Philippines: A Look into the Country’s Role
The Paris Climate Agreement, also known as the Paris Agreement, is an international treaty signed in 2016 that aims to limit global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Its goal is to keep the global temperature rise this century below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The Philippines, as a developing country, has ratified the agreement and has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030.
The Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change. The archipelago is prone to typhoons, floods, droughts, and sea level rise, which are exacerbated by the warming of the planet. In recent years, the country has experienced devastating typhoons such as Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013 and Ulysses in 2020, which caused billions of pesos in damages and loss of lives. The Paris Agreement is an opportunity for the country to address these challenges and transition to a low-carbon, sustainable future.
The Paris Agreement has several key provisions that are relevant to the Philippines. Firstly, the agreement requires countries to regularly report their greenhouse gas emissions and progress towards their targets. This will enable the Philippines to track its emissions and identify areas where it can improve. The country has already developed a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) that sets out its emissions reduction targets and the policies and measures to achieve them. The NDC includes a shift to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable transport, among others.
Secondly, the agreement provides support for developing countries to implement climate actions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This includes financial assistance, technology transfer, and capacity building. The Philippines is eligible for this support, given its status as a developing country and its vulnerability to climate change. The country has already received funding and technical assistance from various international organizations to implement climate projects, such as the Green Climate Fund and the Climate Change Commission.
Thirdly, the Paris Agreement recognizes the role of non-state actors, such as civil society, private sector, and local governments, in addressing climate change. This is important for the Philippines, as many local governments and communities have taken initiatives to address climate change and promote sustainable development. For example, the city of Pasig has implemented programs to reduce waste, promote cycling, and increase green spaces. The city of San Carlos in Negros Occidental has become a model for renewable energy, with its solar and wind power installations.
In conclusion, the Paris Climate Agreement is a significant global effort to address the urgent threat of climate change. The Philippines has a key role to play in achieving the goals of the agreement and protecting its people and natural resources from the impacts of climate change. By implementing its NDC, accessing support from international sources, and engaging non-state actors, the Philippines can build a low-carbon, resilient, and sustainable future.