With the Paris Agreement taking effect on November 4, the Philippines should start taking measures to shift to cleaner energy systems to fight the effects of climate change, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) said.
“The Duterte government, in partnership with climate vulnerable countries, must use this momentum to seek far stronger, far quicker implementation of the Paris Agreement. It is in our self-interest to do so,” ICSC executive director Renato Redentor Constantino said in a statement.
“It’s typhoon season again in the Philippines, and the upcoming third year anniversary of Typhoon Haiyan reminds us of the devastating impacts of inaction,” he said.
In November 2013, Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) left thousands dead in Visayas and destroyed livelihood and infrastructure worth billions of pesos in its cities.
Constantino said the faster implementation of the treaty will allow governments to protect their countries from the impact of climate change.
“We see what governments can achieve together if there’s political will, but we must not forget we still have to implement aggressive measures to shift to a clean energy system and free up financing to protect the most vulnerable from worsening climate impacts,” he said.
“At the same time, we should double efforts to pursue low-carbon development so people can enjoy earlier the benefits of clean air, access to clean energy, more jobs, food security, productivity and good health.” Constantino said.