After much discussion, President Rodrigo Duterte will now sign the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, contrary to his previous statements on the said agreement.
In a press briefing in Malacanang on Monday, Duterte said that he will sign the Paris Agreement that took its effect just last November 4.
“After so much debate, the climate change (agreement) will be signed,” he said.
Duterte said that it was a Cabinet decision that would lead his signature inked on the agreement that the previous administration agreed upon.
“Since it is a Cabinet decision I would go along with it and sign it,” Duterte said.
Previously, Duterte said that he would not honor the Paris Agreement as it would hinder the country’s industrialization.
“They [developed countries] want us to slow down so I have a rift with them,” Duterte said. “I do not agree with the formula or equation because it is not fair.”
(Read: Duterte on Paris agreement: ‘I will not follow’;Duterte: Climate change pact to hinder PH industrialization)
Various environmentalists and experts have expressed their concerns on Duterte’s previous refusal to ratify the agreement.
(Read: Experts urge Duterte to reconsider climate change agreement; Environmentalists to Duterte: reconsider Paris agreement)
Under the Paris Pact, the Philippines has committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 70 percent by 2030, but technical and financial support would be needed to achieve it.
The Paris agreement is set to keep the world temperature rise under two degrees Celsius.
