The United Nations climate chief Christiana Figueres is set to meet government officials and representatives in groups and organizations in the Philippines in an effort to get more developmental climate investments in the country.
The architect of the Paris climate agreement Figueres is meeting with business leaders industry officials to develop collaborative efforts across Asia that could open investments, and assess risks connected to the lack of efforts to address the worsening climate change effects.
The former climate chief will meet with Senator Loren Legarda and other government officials, representatives from the private sector, civil society groups, and faith-based organizations on February 14 to 15.
Figueres’ Asian tour included Japan whose prime minister Shinzo Abe included climate change as a priority for his leadership of the Group of 20 this year.
She is also set to visit to Indonesia, the second largest coal exporter worldwide.
“We have the strongest business case for climate change action in history, both on the side of risks to business as well as on the side of opportunity,” Figueres was quoted in a Manila Bulletin report.
“The world is moving irrevocably toward a low-carbon global economy, creating a vast global marketplace for green buildings, clean energy and smart cities that is now waiting to be unlocked. A combination of technology advances, market demand, and regulatory change make this the ideal time for business leaders to step up and take advantage of the opportunities inherent in a greener future,” she added.
The Philippines can possibly lead the clean energy race in the Southeast Asia, Figueres said. Adding that governments have the authority and responsibility to encourage investments and direct budgets to low carbon development.
“The timing and purpose of Figueres’ visit to the Philippines is perfect. This is the right time to convey and extend support to the Philippine government’s efforts to promote more affordable, reliable, clean, and secure renewable energy investments,” said Red Constantino, executive director of Manila-based Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities.
“Promoting far greater competition and climate ambition are key to driving the country’s power sector towards more efficient and modern energy systems that are ultimately responsive to the needs of both business and working class households in the country,” he added