MANILA, 28 June 2022 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) are set to bring together stakeholders from various transport groups and industry, civil society organizations, national government agencies, and local government units to discuss ways to further mainstream climate-responsive and low-carbon practices in the transport sector. The ‘Climate and Transport Forum: Sustaining Initiatives for Low Carbon Transport Systems and Services’ will be held in Pasig City. CCC Secretary Robert E.A. Borje and DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, Jr. will lead the Forum highlighting the importance of ushering low carbon measures for the transformation of the transport sector. Dr. Jose Bienvenido Biona of De La Salle University; Mr. Jose Alfonso Maria Cua from United Nations Development Programme Low Carbon Transport Project Team; Mr. Yuri Sarmiento from Electric Vehicle Expansion Enterprises, Inc. and the Federation of Electric Vehicle Operators, Inc.; Mr. Leonardo Bautista from the Office of Transportation Cooperatives, and Mr. Rodne Galicha from Aksyon Klima will share their insights on various subtopics on low-carbon transportation throughout the program. Based on the 2010 National Greenhouse Gas Inventory, the transport sector is responsible for an estimated 24.17 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e), making it the third-largest emitter sector in the country. These emissions are caused by land transportation (87.88%), water-borne navigation (9.18%), and domestic aviation (2.95%). This forum supports the Philippine Government’s inclusive approach to policy development which includes avoidance, mobility efficiency, and low-carbon solutions as part of the transition of the transportation industry to a low carbon future. The Climate and Transport Forum will be held on 29 June 2022 (Wednesday) in Pasig City, and will also be streamed live via Facebook pages of the CCC at www.facebook.com/CCCPhl and the DOTr at www.facebook.com/DOTrPH. For more information, visit the social media pages of CCC and DOTr.
MANILA 22 June 2022 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Climate Reality Project Philippines (TCRP) invite the public to watch the second episode of “Stories for A Better Reality,” this Thursday, 23 June 2022, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live, in time for the celebration of the Philippine Environment Month. The episode, entitled, “Tayo at ang Natatanging Mundo: Sustainable Actions for the Planet” will underscore the importance of sustainable lifestyles and environmental practices that help protect our #OnlyOneEarth. This will be streamed live via the Facebook pages of the Climate Change Commission (https://www.facebook.com/CCCPhl) and the Climate Reality Project Philippines (https://www.facebook.com/climaterealityphilippines). The episode will feature youth leaders and sustainability advocates Mr. Prince Jimdel Ventura, 2021 Climate Ambassador of the Global Youth Climate Network and Youth 4 Sustainable Cities Ambassador; and Ms. Dana Marie Perez, CEO and Founder of Sustainability Hero and Content Creator at Sustainable Living by Dana to share their sustainable strategies to protect our planet. Climate change and sustainability are interlinked. While sustainability is a broad concept that encompasses different aspects, this is also a form of climate action that can help address the impacts of climate change. As youth play an important role in addressing climate change, they must be at the forefront in developing models and best practices for a sustainable future. The upcoming episode endeavors to encourage more young people to be advocates for climate action through storytelling that breaks down the complexities of climate change issues. “Stories for A Better Reality” seeks to tackle climate issues, promote initiatives and solutions, and inform policy and action by framing the discussion from the perspective of the youth. NPTE Member Dr. Maria Angela Zafra will also join us for the #ExpertsExplain to give sustainability tips addressing climate change. This will be followed by a response from Assistant Director Diane Gail Maharjan of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). This monthly webcast series is organized in partnership between the Climate Change Commission and the Climate Reality Project Philippines, with support from the Department of Education, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Kids for Kids, and Wavefarers.
BONN, GERMANY, 19 June 2022 — In its strongest statement yet, the Philippines scored the inaction and “delaying tactics” of several key nations that held back results-oriented work of the United Nations for the mandated global climate change agenda, particularly for developing and vulnerable nations. At the closing plenary of the 56th Session of Subsidiary Bodies (SB56) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Bonn, Germany, Climate Change Commission (CCC) Secretary Robert Borje pointed out that key issues, including financing for climate loss and damage and improved modalities to access technology and build capacities, did not gain further traction despite previous pronouncements of commitments by parties to the UNFCCC. Secretary Borje likewise expressed serious concerns over the impact of inaction on global trust in the work on climate change. “While key stakeholders engage in dismaying delaying tactics disguised as discussions, we are undermining global trust in multilateralism and eroding the confidence of our people and the youth in the work that we do,” stressed Secretary Borje. SB56 was envisioned to conclude with decision points ready for adoption and implementation in the next session of the Conference of Parties (COP) particularly on financial support to address, avert and minimize climate loss and damages to developing and vulnerable nations. “The Philippines calls for concrete results from our engagements. We must be open, transparent and accountable to this process, ramp up not just plans and processes but adaptation and mitigation actions – up to the smallest unit of governance,” underscored Secretary Borje. Emphasizing the need for climate justice, Secretary Borje said, “We cannot fail our world. Climate justice demands this from all of us. For those who are most responsible for climate change, you have to do more.” Secretary Borje highlighted the importance of giving space “not just for loss and damage dialogue but action” and urged the meeting to “unlock climate finance” for the developing world and developing nations. In separate statements, members and subgroups of the G77 & China Group namely the African Group of Nations (AGN), Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), Least Developed Countries (LDC), Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC), Independent Alliance of Latin American and the Caribbean (AILAC), Brazil-South Africa-India-China (BASIC), Argentina-Brazil-Uruguay (ABU), Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA), the Arab Group, Coalition for Rainforest Nations, and Parties including Egypt, Iran, Indonesia, Ghana, Türkiye, Marshall Islands, Nepal, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Panama and Timor Leste, expressed “concern,” “frustration” and “disappointment” over developments at the SB56. With challenges faced by Parties and non-party stakeholders during SB56, Secretary Borje stressed that the demonstrated commitment of the global community to the multilateral process is critical. “While we encountered challenges in SB56, the Philippines remains committed to engage all Parties and non-party stakeholders,” said Secretary Borje. “For us, this multilateral process is crucial to draw in all stakeholders together toward actions that deliver results.” He also underscored that the principle of climate justice must move the world to achieve results, urging nations and the international community to anchor their work and actions on climate justice in the lead up to the 27th Session of the COP to the UNFCCC (COP27). “As we prepare for COP27, we need to ensure that it becomes an energized platform for implementation—as COP27 is aptly described,” said Secretary Borje. COP27 will be held on 6-18 November 2022 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. This year’s theme is “Together for Implementation: Uniting the World to Tackle Climate Change”. “Before we leave these halls, Excellencies, let us recommit ourselves to a COP27 that must be the legacy of decisive action by the global community, a defining moment for much-needed human leadership,” Secretary Borje concluded. Secretary Borje headed the Philippine Delegation to SB56, with National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Mercedita Sombilla as Deputy Head of Delegation. Comprising the onsite Philippine delegation to SB56 are key officials and representatives from CCC, NEDA, Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Department of Science and Technology. Watch the full speech of Secretary Borje through this link: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=721533739131877.
BONN, GERMANY, 18 June 2022 – The Philippines stressed anew the need for urgent “actions with results” towards a more effective and efficient global strategy to address climate change. Delivering the Philippines’ National Statement at the opening of the 56th Session of Subsidiary Bodies on Climate Change (SB56), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Mercedita Sombilla underlined that the entire international community needs to “transform theories and rhetoric into practical and pragmatic solutions applicable to the smallest, isolated, and disadvantaged communities to achieve holistic and sustainable development.” Undersecretary Sombilla further emphasized that what is needed for developing and vulnerable nations are “actions with results” particularly loss and damages, climate finance, capacity development and technology transfer and development. Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert Borje said this results-oriented approach and demand is critical for developing and climate change vulnerable countries, and is “firmly anchored on the principle of climate justice.” “To give our people the environment we deserve, we – the global community - need to do more—for the least responsible for climate change, those with the least resources, and those who are most vulnerable and at risk,” said Secretary Borje. “Conversely, for those most responsible for climate change, with the most resources, you – the developed and industrialized countries need to do more. This is climate justice,” explained Secretary Borje. “SB56 determines the road ahead and the pace with which the international community takes towards addressing climate change and enhancing climate resiliency. The agenda and the results expected must, therefore, be clear,” added Secretary Borje. The National Statement at SB56 further amplified the call for greater sense of urgency by the Philippines during the Stockholm+50 International Meeting held on 2-3 June 2022 in Sweden and the Dushanbe Water Process Conference held on 6-9 June in Tajikistan where Secretary Borje also expressed the need to push the work and results-oriented climate agenda as “existential threats leave the Philippines and the developing world very vulnerable and at greater risk.” SB56 is the lead up to the 27th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which is scheduled on 6-18 November 2022 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. On the road to COP27, the Philippines is working on immediate and substantial progress on the Global Goal on Adaptation and National Adaptation Plans, the Glasgow-Sharm El-Sheikh Work Program, on addressing and financing loss and damage, and accessing climate finance and other means of implementation for developing and most vulnerable countries. The Philippine delegation to SB56 comprises 17 key officials and representatives from CCC, NEDA, Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Department of Science and Technology. For updates on the participation of the Philippines to SB 56, follow the social media accounts of the CCC at /CCCPhl.
LOOK: Secretary Robert Borje of the Climate Change Commission (CCC) met with Tajikistan Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Hon. Juma Daler Shofaqir, at the sidelines of the Dushanbe Water Process in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. From the 4th Asia Pacific Water Summit held in Kumamoto City Japan, the two officials advanced the discussion on water and energy resources management and climate-resilient infrastructure. Both explored opportunities to accelerate sustainable solutions to interlinking world challenges, including water and climate change, which may be adopted by the developing world. The Philippines and Tajikistan look forward to strengthening partnership and collaboration in pushing the agenda on water resources, amidst worsening climate challenges. The Dushanbe Water Conference was held on 6-9 June 2022 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte designated Secretary Borje as the Head of Delegation and the President’s personal representative to the Conference.
