New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Kell, Securities and Exchange Commissioner McJill Bryant Fernandez, Climate Change Commissioner Albert P. Dela Cruz, and Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. Chief Operating Officer Atty. Roel Refran were among those who signed the Statement of Commitment on climate investment and just transition during the Climate Investment Forum 2022, Monday, 21 November 2022 in Novotel Manila.     MANILA, 22 November 2022 – Multistakeholders commit to boost investment for climate and sustainability initiatives and accelerate just transition to achieve a climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines by 2050 Government leaders, business and financial sectors, and civil society organizations signed a Statement of Commitment ensuring availability and accessibility of financing mechanisms for climate and sustainability projects. It also supports the acceleration of the Philippines’ low-carbon development and just transition from coal to renewable energy. Recognizing the imperative for an effective, collective response to the urgent threats of climate change, the commitment also includes the stakeholders’ deployment of innovative interventions with sustainable, positive impacts on supply chains and value chains. New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Kell, Securities and Exchange Commissioner McJill Bryant Fernandez, Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. Chief Operating Officer Atty. Roel Refran, and Climate Change Commissioner Albert P. Dela Cruz led the ceremonial signing during the Climate Investment Forum (CIF) 2022 organized by the Climate Change Commission (CCC) on 21 November in Quezon City. It forms part of the commemoration of the 15th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week (CCC Week 2022). “In the spirit of ‘No One Should Be Left Behind” in the Sustainable Development Goals, this statement of commitment is not just for us, but for our children and the children of our children,” said CCC Commissioner Dela Cruz. “Fighting the impacts of climate change comes at a cost. As a developing country that is at risk, the Philippines needs all the help we can get from both the public and private sectors, and indeed the international community through investments on adaptation and mitigation actions,” said Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. "The private sector—both being contributory and vulnerable to climate impacts—must see the value of these investments in growing their businesses, insulating their people and operations from climate shocks, avoiding emissions that exacerbate global warming and climate change, and how these can ultimately influence our ways of life for the better," said CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera. With the theme “Sama-samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima,” CCC Week 2022 draws together various climate change and environment stakeholders in the Philippines in a collective push toward transforming climate change commitments into action towards a climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines.  Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 1667 s. 2008, the CCC spearheads the annual observance of the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week every November 19th to 25th, aimed at raising consciousness on addressing the impacts of the changing climate. For more information about the ceremonial signing and the CIF, visit the social media accounts of the CCC using @CCCPhl or visit its website at https://climate.gov.ph.

Department of Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, United Kingdom Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils, United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran, World Bank Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand Dr. Ndiame Diop, and other development partners of the Climate Change Commission reaffirmed commitments to mobilize investments for climate action during the Climate Investment Forum 2022, Monday, 21 November 2022, in Novotel Manila, Quezon City.   MANILA, 22 November 2022 – Development partners reaffirmed their commitment of mobilizing financial resources for investment in climate change mitigation and adaptation on Monday, 21 November 2022, to confront the challenges posed by the climate crisis. Development partners including the World Bank Group and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) joined the Climate Investment Forum 2022, spearheaded by the Climate Change Commission (CCC) in commemoration of the 15th Global Warming and Climate Consciousness Week.  Government leaders led by the Department of Finance (DOF) presented the national targets on mitigation and adaptation and called for stronger commitments from international channels as well as the private sector to invest on the country’s priorities on climate action. In his keynote address, DOF Secretary Benjamin Diokno recognized the need to “urgently increase the availability of adaptation and resilience finance particularly for sustainable and climate resilient infrastructure.” Diokno also emphasized the important role of the private sector in achieving a just transition towards a low-carbon economy and the commitment of the Philippine government on “strengthening its policies on climate financing (and) mainstreaming sustainable finance in all possible ways through policy and harmonization.”  UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran also underscored the important role of the private sector in climate investments. “There's a growing recognition due to the amounts required to meet climate goals, and the private sector has a key role to play in mobilizing climate finance. While it is widely known that the private sector's DNA is closely attached to its financial interests, we need to develop and disseminate a clear narrative. Beyond corporate social responsibility initiatives, it makes good business sense to invest in climate initiatives.”  The UNDP has developed the Climate Finance Network in order to support the initiatives on increasing public and private sector investments toward mitigating impacts of climate change and improving resilience of national and local government agencies and communities. For its part, the World Bank has released its Country Climate and Development Report for the Philippines which explains how climate change will affect the country’s economic development and emphasizes the important role of the private sector in climate action. “The World Bank has a very strong commitment to really accompany the efforts of the government, the Climate Change Commission, and all the agencies in this effort. We have actually achieved quite a bit over the last decade or so, and we are very committed to do more to really address this emergency,” said Dr. Ndiame Diop, World Bank Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand. As a long standing partner of the Philippines, the World Bank has been helping lay the groundwork for significant actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve climate resilience, and prepare for and respond to natural disasters. For FY2022, about 46% of their commitments are contributed to climate action. The Government of the United Kingdom also emphasized the need to act and deliver results based on the country's climate action priorities. The Climate Finance Network was supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. “The UK has been listening to the priorities of the new government in the Philippines and we are working to deliver new programs responding to its needs on coastal and marine adaptation, renewable energy and energy efficiency, nature-based solutions, science, and innovation.” said UK Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils. The Climate Investment Forum is a product of the Climate Finance Network which brought together high-level policymakers, heads of international organizations, private sector leaders, and civil society groups with an overall objective of turning climate commitments into action. "We need to invest in ourselves, because these investments are our investments in our collective future. From aligning our efforts toward NDCs to working together on accelerating just transition to a low-carbon economy; to building the adaptive capacities of our communities, to utilizing best available science and multi-risk analysis frameworks and tools; and to harnessing domestic and international finance,” CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized. For more information about the Climate Investment Forum, visit the social media accounts of the CCC using @CCCPhl or visit its website at https://climate.gov.ph.

MANILA, 22 November 2022 — The Climate Change Commission’s (CCC) National Panel of Technical Experts (NPTE) will conduct the 11th NPTE Forum, Wednesday, 23 November 2022 with a focused discussion on climate-induced risks for the Philippines and how the risks can be managed, minimized, or avoided. This year’s NPTE Forum will stimulate discussions among national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and relevant stakeholders to address the gaps, and recommend concrete action points to address the various climate risks. The forum will be led by NPTE members: Dr. Doracie Zoleta-Nantes (Chairperson), Dr. Eduardo Mangaoang (Co-Chair), Dr. Susan Mercado (Co-Chair), Dr. Emma Porio (Co-chair), Dr. Jihan Adil, Dr. Nathaniel Alibuyog, Dr. Zenaida Andrade, Dr. Wilfredo Campos, Dr. Gay Defiesta, Dr. Ramon Lorenzo Luis Guinto, Dr. Jimmy Masagca, Dr. Richard Muallil, Dr. Patricia Ann Sanchez, Engineer Meriam Santillan, Dr. Encarnacion Emilia Yap, and Dr. Maria Angela Zafra. Discussions on the forum will focus on the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, overview of loss and damage scenario in the Philippines, and the 10 leading climate-induced risks identified by NPTE members: rising sea levels; coastal erosion; flooding; increasing frequency and severity of tropical cyclones; extreme drought; temperature increase and rising urban heat index; extreme rainfall; climate-influenced diseases; changing wind patterns, and biodiversity loss. Started in 2017, the NPTE Forum encourages knowledge exchange  among members of the academe, local government units, youth, business and industry, civil society, gender- and faith-based groups, and the general public on climate change-related issues, policies, and practices through plenary presentations and open discussions. The 11th NPTE Forum coincides with the commemoration of the 15th Annual Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week (CCC Week 2022). With the theme “Sama-samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima,” CCC Week 2022 draws together various climate change and environment stakeholders in the Philippines in a collective push toward transforming climate change commitments into action for a climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines. Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 1667 s. 2008, the CCC spearheads the annual observance of the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week every November 19th to 25th, aimed at raising consciousness on addressing the impacts of the changing climate. For more information about the 11th NPTE Forum and CCC Week 2022, visit the social media accounts of the CCC using @CCCPhl or visit its website at https://climate.gov.ph.

MANILA, 22 November 2022 –  The Climate Change Commission strengthened its partnership with the Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) and Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (AFI) for implementation of the Commission’s capacity building program on the Enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP) Formulation. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje, Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz, David Jude L. Sta. Ana, AEV Senior Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer, and Maribeth L. Marasigan, AFI President and Chief Operating Officer. The CCC, AEV and AFI will specifically collaborate on the following areas: Coordinated implementation of climate-related research in aid of policy and decision making, and local climate change action, adaptation and mitigation.  Systematic knowledge sharing and prompt provision of technical assistance to LGUs, communities, the private business sector, and other entities in key vulnerable areas. Mainstreaming climate-smart and climate-resilient processes and undertakings to LGUs, communities, the private business sector, and other entities in key vulnerable areas.  Coordinated implementation and collaboration with other key national government agencies (NGAs) identified to support the creation of climate smart resilient communities. The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and AEV started the partnership in 2019 to implement the Communities for Resilience (CORE) Initiative, the CCC's flagship capacity-building program.   “We recognize the Climate Change Commission as a responsible policy-making institution that advocates environmental preservation, protection and climate change resilience across the country,” said Christopher Camba, First Vice President for Corporate External Relations at Aboitiz Group of Companies. The Ceremonial Signing of the MOA was held on Tuesday, 22 November 2022, at Aboitiz Headquarters in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. The signing is also part of the activities for the 15th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week (CCC Week 2022) happening from 19-25 November 2022, with the theme, “Sama-samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima.” For more information about the Ceremonial Signing of MOA and other CCC Week 2022 activities, visit the CCC social media pages at @cccphl.

MANILA, 22 November 2022 – Commissioner Mcjill Bryant Fernandez of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) led the discussion on Sustainability Reporting Guidelines for Publicly Listed Companies in one of the sessions of the Climate Investment Forum (CIF) 2022 on 21 November. Sustainability reporting is a mechanism for a business entity to disclose and communicate its economic, environmental and social impacts to society. “The Sustainability Report measures and monitors PLCs’ contributions toward achieving universal targets of sustainability, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as well as national policies and programs, such as AmBisyon Natin 2040,” said Fernandez. "At the core of the regulatory guidelines is a recognition that not all companies are at the same level in their sustainability, thus we are embarking on continuing capacity building for our stakeholders," he added. Commissioner Fernandez was joined by Ms. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance of SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPH); Agnes De Jesus, Chief Sustainability Officer of the First Philippine Holdings Corporation (FPHC); Dr. Allinnettes Adigue, Regional Head of Global Reporting Initiative-ASEAN; and by Atty. Roel Refran, Chief Operating Officer of the Philippine Stock Exchange, as session moderator. Agnes De Jesus of the FPHC gave a grim picture of the impact of Typhoon Yolanda in 2013 on their business. She shared how strategizing their mission among its business segments contributes in creating values for their stakeholders and business.  Maintaining nature’s integrity, people’s well-being, and robust economy are the values for their stakeholders, while stable revenues and growth are for the business. “We are able to contribute to the low carbon economy and reduce our risks. Because we have mainstreamed sustainability in our mission, we are able to deliver robust data in our sustainability report,” continued De Jesus. "We look to our regulators to be a repository of tools that will be used by all including agencies and local governments," she remarked. Liza Silerio of SMPH highlighted the integral role of private sector to economic development and embracing climate resilience as one of its core business strategies, and cited as an example their malls built with flood management measures and water catchments, using science-based solutions. “Sustainability and climate programs are centered on environment, social inclusion and governance plus disaster resilience,” Silerio said.  Refran highlighted the lessons to be learned in terms of measuring impacts from various ESG methodologies, and looking far ahead to a sustainable future. "When you look at sustainability as a narrative, it cannot be just a short-sighted view. You must answer the question- will you still be here a hundred years from now? If you can answer that in the affirmative, you probably have the right knowledge on how to be a sustainable business." The Climate Investment Forum (CIF) 2022 is part of the commemoration of the 15th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week (CCC Week). With the theme “Sama-samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima,” CCC Week 2022 draws together various climate change and environment stakeholders in the Philippines in a collective push towards transforming climate change commitments into action towards a climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines by 2050.  Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 1667 s. 2008, the CCC spearheads the annual observance of the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week every November 19th to 25th, aimed at raising consciousness on addressing the impacts of the changing climate. For more information about the CIF, visit the social media accounts of the CCC using @CCCPhl or visit its website at https://climate.gov.ph.

MANILA, 21 November 2022 –Top environment and climate officials urged stakeholders to invest more in climate action and work together to achieve climate-resilient development during the Opening Ceremony of the 15th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week (CCC Week 2022) on 21 November 2022.   Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Official Representative of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in the Climate Change Commission (CCC), stressed the importance of investing in initiatives to pursue climate resilience.   Citing the record-high PHP453.11 billion for climate change adaptation and mitigation under the FY 2023 National Expenditure Program, a 56.39% increase to this year’s PhP289.73 billion, Loyzaga stressed the need for more investments to support the country’s climate-resilient development.   "More investments are still needed if we are to make transformative strides to achieve climate-resilient development. The coming years will present more opportunities to show how the whole-of-society effort can shape the future of our country," Loyzaga said.   Senator Cynthia Villar, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, and Chairperson of the House Committee on Climate Change and Bohol 1st District Representative Edgar Chatto also joined the activity.   In her recorded message, Villar remarked that the impacts of climate change on biodiversity, food security and on our communities are becoming even more pronounced, thereby needing serious and urgent attention from all.   “We should take climate change more seriously and urgently. We should rally all communities to institute appropriate strategies to (this) make environment climate-resilient and not to initiate activities that would aggravate the sufferings of the people,” said Villar. “Filipinos are called to do their parts to counter the ill effects of climate change,” she added.   Representative Chatto highlighted the need to collectively strengthen the capacities of communities to reduce loss and damage.   “The vulnerability of our society is measured in three aspects: Susceptibility, Coping, and Adaptability. We may not control the natural events, but we need to strengthen our susceptibility measures, our coping mechanisms in minimizing damage, adaptation or our long-term strategies to anticipate changes to mitigate or avoid the adverse effects and impacts,” said Chatto.   The Opening Ceremony of the CCC Week 2022 took place in Novotel Manila. The Climate Investment Forum 2022 immediately followed the ceremony, which brought together various stakeholders to identify strategies in achieving the Philippine Nationally Determined Contribution targets, priority actions on climate finance, and opportunities for climate action.   “I wish to thank our partners from the national and local governments, the business sector, the private sector, the academe, and civil society for joining us in this mission. The Commission shall continue to bring everyone together to ensure a dynamic synergy as we pursue greener and more resilient pathways towards a sustainable future,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje.   With the theme “Sama-samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima,” CCC Week 2022 draws together various climate change and environment stakeholders in the Philippines in a collective push towards transforming climate change commitments into action towards a climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines by 2050.   Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 1667 s. 2008, the CCC spearheads the annual observance of the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week every November 19th to 25th, aimed at raising consciousness on addressing the impacts of the changing climate.   For updates and live streams visit the CCC’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cccphl or its website at www.climate.gov.ph.

MANILA, 20 November 2022 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) will host Monday the Climate Investment Forum 2022 (CIF 2022) which draws Philippine stakeholders together in order to turn climate commitments into action.   With the theme, “Turning Climate Commitments to Action,” the CIF 2022 will be held on 21 November 2022 at the Novotel Manila, in Cubao, Quezon City and streamed via Zoom Digital Platform.  In partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom, Department of Finance (DOF), Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the World Bank Group (WBG), the  CIF 2022 aims to bring together the public and private sectors, non-government organizations, and the academe, to identify strategies in achieving the Philippine Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets, priority actions on climate finance, and opportunities for climate action.   Experts from both the government and private sectors will be sharing their insights and initiatives on the subject matter.   Her Excellency Laure Beaufils, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Philippines, Dr. Ndiamé Diop, WBG Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, and Dr. Selva Ramachandran, Resident Representative of the UNDP Philippines, will address the Climate Investment Forum and highlight the importance of climate finance in the Philippines as well as multi-stakeholder participation.   Senior officials from the World Bank Group, Mr. Stefano Pagiola and Mr. Taisei Matsuki, will also tackle the country’s climate and development report and various carbon pricing policies and instruments.   National plans on achieving greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reduction targets will also be presented by government representatives namely, Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh of the DENR, Undersecretary Mercedita Sombilla of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Undersecretary Mark Dennis Joven of the DOF, and OIC-Director Michael Sinocruz of the Department of Energy (DOE).   Filipino social entrepreneurs Carlo Delantar of Gobi Core PH Fund, Love Gregorie Moral-Perez of xchange and Jeannie Javelosa of Echostore Sustainable Lifestyle will also share their sustainability efforts and best practices in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).   Mr. Asad Maken, Governance and Public Finance Specialist of the UNDP, will present the Climate Finance Network and opportunities for the private sector and innovative finance. Opportunities for transition economies in sustainable investment will be discussed by Ms. Corazon G. Dizon, Chief Finance Officer & Treasurer of ACEN Corporation, Ms. Aileen Ruiz-Zarate, Senior Investment Officer of International Finance Corporation and Ms. Neha Kumar, Head, South Asia Programme of the Climate Bonds Initiative.   Securities and Exchange Commissioner Mcjill Bryant Fernandez, Dr. Allinnettes Adigue, Head for ASEAN Region of the Global Reporting Initiative, Ms. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group of SM Supermalls, and Ms. Agnes De Jesus, Chief Sustainability Officer of First Philippine Holdings Corporation, will also tackle Sustainability Reporting Guidelines for Publicly Listed Companies and the ASEAN Sustainable and Responsible Fund Standards (SRFS) together with Atty. Roel Refran, Philippine Stock Exchange Chief Operating Officer.   The CIF immediately follows the Opening Ceremony for the Climate Change Consciousness Week, which will be led by DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga who has been designated Official Representative of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in the Climate Change Commission.  Confirmed to deliver their messages are Senate President Pro-Tempore Loren Legarda, climate and environment champion and principal author of the Climate Change Act which created the CCC, and Bohol 1st District Representative Edgar Chatto, Chairperson on House Committee on Climate Change.   The whole-day forum will be conducted in a hybrid setting, with limited slots for in-person participation. Participants who wish to join the virtual event may register through this link: https://tinyurl.com/CIForum2022.   The Climate Investment Forum 2022 is the flagship event of the CCC for the commemoration of the 15th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week. Know more by visiting the social media accounts of the CCC at @CCCPhl.

MANILA, 20 November 2022 –  The 15th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week (CCC Week) kicks off Monday, 21 November 2022 with top environment official Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, climate change and environment champion Senator Loren Legarda, Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Chair Senator Cynthia Villar, and House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change Chair Bohol First District Representative Edgar Chatto scheduled to address the event.   With the theme “Sama-samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima,” the opening ceremony draws together various climate change and environment stakeholders in the Philippines in a collective push towards transforming climate change commitments into action towards a climate smart and climate resilient Philippines by 2050.   Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga has been designated the Official Representative of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in the Climate Change Commission. Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga was Executive Director of the Manila Observatory, the President of the National Resilience Council, a member of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s (UNDRR) Asia Pacific Science Technology Advisory Group and a Director of the UNDRR’s Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (ARISE).   Senate President Pro-Tempore Loren Legarda is recognized as a “Game Changer for Asia,’ a champion for climate change action and the environment, “Global Thinker,” voice for indigenous peoples, a women and children’s rights champion, and a passionate advocate.    Senator Legarda has worked for the enactment of key legislation on climate change, environment, and disaster governance, including the Clean Air Act, the Solid Waste Management Act, the Climate Change Act and the Philippine Disaster Risk and Management Act.   She is also recognized globally for good environmental governance. She is the UNDRR Global Champion for Resilience, the UNFCCC National Adaptation Plan Champion, Commissioner of the Global Commission on Adaptation and Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) Ambassador for Parliaments.   Senator Cynthia Villar is the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources since 2013 and the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food.   Senator Villar was instrumental in the enactment of the Extended Producer Responsibility bill for plastics and other waste.   She was founder and Chair of the Villar Foundation (now the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance). Villar SIPAG’s key program thrusts and projects included environment protection and the establishment of the Las Pinas-Paranaque Wetland Park.   Bohol First District Representative Edgar Chatto is the Chairperson of the House Committee on Climate Change.   During his chairmanship of the Committee during the 18th Congress, he pushed for the declaration of a state of environmental and climate emergency and championed the call for the Philippines to seek climate justice.   As Vice Governor of Bohol, he led the passage of the Bohol Environment Code. Moreover, during his tenure as Bohol governor, an ordinance was passed that prohibited the establishment of a coal-fueled power plant here in the province.   The opening ceremony will be immediately followed by the Climate Investment Forum, 2022 which will bring together various stakeholders to identify strategies in achieving the Philippine Nationally Determined Contribution targets, priority actions on climate finance, and opportunities for climate action.   Other activities to be held during the CCC Week include training-of-trainers on the formulation of enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan on (21-25 November 2022); Leveraging Local Budgets in the Context of COVID-19 Recovery and Sustainable Environmental Management Webinar (22 November 2022); the 11th National Panel of Technical Experts Forum (23 November 2022); and Kaalamang Klima: Climate Change Webinar Workshop for the Youth (25 November 2022).   Partnerships with Aboitiz Equity Ventures and Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., and the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute (UPRI) will also be formalized and signed during the week.   CCC Week began Saturday, November 19, with a Thanksgiving Mass and Tree Planting and Growing Activity in the La Mesa Nature Reserve. CCC officials, staff, and representatives from various groups planted 200 Narra, Dao, and Sablot seedlings to contribute to the improvement of the country’s carbon sinks and reservoirs.   Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 1667 s. 2008, the CCC spearheads the annual observance of the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week every November 19th to 25th, aimed at raising consciousness on addressing the impacts of the changing climate.   For more information about the upcoming CCC Week 2022 activities, visit the CCC social media pages at @cccphl.

MANILA, 19 November 2022 — The 15th Annual Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week (CCC Week 2022) kicked off Saturday with the planting of 200 Narra, Dao, and Sablot seedlings at the La Mesa Nature Reserve by the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and partner agencies and organizations, including indigenous peoples and the youth.   Joining the tree planting activity were officials and representatives from Aboitiz Equity Ventures, ARISE, Conservation International, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Dumagat Community, Energy Development Corporation, FirstGen, Maynilad, Miriam College, and student leaders from Lagro National High School. Also present were representatives from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Nestle Philippines, Net Zero Carbon Alliance, Professional Regulation Commission, Rotary Club of Pasig, and Zonta International.   The tree planting and growing activity emphasizes this year’s CCC Week theme, “Sama-samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima” on the need to work together as one nation, one society and one world to further develop and improve the country’s greenhouse gas sinks and reservoirs through nature-based solutions.   The activity likewise underscored the continuing need to further promote the growth of Philippine forests, watersheds and protected areas as key climate change actions for the Philippines’ sustainable development.   Underscoring the value of multi-stakeholder approach as well as personal commitment toward climate change action success, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert Borje emphasized, “Ang hamon natin ngayon sa ating lahat, sana ay gawin natin itong regular na aktibidad, kasama ng inyong mga kaibigan, ng inyong mga pamilya, ng inyong organisasyon, para makamit natin ang ating obhetibo.”   “On the part of the Climate Change Commission, we remain committed to strengthen the policy framework and the partnerships that we have, including not just government, but also with CSOs, the private sectors, the NGOs, the youth sector, and the media,” said VCED Borje.   CCC Commissioner Rachel Herrera likewise highlighted that the activity also recognizes the importance of the whole-of-society approach in addressing the climate crisis.   The event is part of the series of reforestation initiatives under the Carbon Neutral Program (CNP) Convergence formalized in June this year with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), PRC, and Society of Filipino Foresters, Inc. (SFFI). It was conceptualized based on the Philippines’ commitment in its Nationally Determined Contribution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030.   It also supports existing national government institutions’ programs for ecological and environmental stability aligned with the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP).   The tree planting and growing activity for CCC Week 2022 likewise builds on the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on environmental protection as Philippine government policy and inter-generational responsibility to uphold the Filipino’s right to a balanced and healthful ecology, including future generations.   In September this year, President Marcos celebrated his birthday with a tree planting and growing event in San Mateo, Rizal, and stated that “Itong ating ginagawa ngayong araw na ito ay isa sa mga hakbang na maaari nating gawin upang tulungan at patibayin ang ating kalikasan, alagaan ang ating kalikasan para (ay) tayo naman ay meron tayong imamana sa mga anak natin, sa mga susunod sa atin na Pilipino.”   The CCC Week is held annually every November 19th to 25th, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1667, s. 2008, to raise the awareness of Filipinos on the worsening impacts of climate change, and to secure the collective cooperation of private and public sectors at all levels in finding solutions to this concern.   For more information about the upcoming tree planting activities of the Climate Change Commission, and other CCC Week activities, visit the CCC’s social media pages at @cccphl. 

 

Iloilo City, 20 October 2022 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) conducted Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory and Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) trainings for the faculty and staff of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) on 4-6 October 2022.   The activity entitled “Training on Climate Action and Sustainability: GHG Inventory and CCET Training Workshops,” aimed to enhance and build the capacity of ISAT-U on National CCET and GHG Inventory in preparation for possible collaboration with the local government of Iloilo City and other academic institutions related to climate action planning and programming.   The CCC also delivered lectures on the basic and science of climate change, mainstreaming gender and climate change, developing the university’s CCET and the GHG emissions and inventory process in different sectors.   This training workshop was attended by 51 participants from five (5) ISAT-U campuses – La Paz, Leon, Barotac Nuevo, Dumangas, and Miag-ao.   Across these campuses, respective campus-wide GHG Inventory Committees were established to lead and pursue the implementation of different projects and activities related to the development of GHG Inventory report.   An integrated GHG inventory report will serve as the University’s basis in developing their climate change adaptation and mitigation programs in their future development plans. ISAT-U will then identify their climate-responsive programs and create their CCET Quality Assurance and Review (QAR) form and BP 201-F for FY2024.   Dr. Raul F. Muyong, ISAT-U President, emphasized the importance of this training workshop in the alignment of the University’s institutional goals to mainstream climate action and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.   “Let us serve as an example and a model among our students and the community. If we want to be a solution to these climate change issues, let us start it within ourselves,” Dr. Muyong said.   The CCC, through Deputy Executive Director Romell Antonio O. Cuenca, welcomed ISAT-U’s initiative in developing their GHG Inventory and Climate Budget Proposals ahead of the budget calendar for FY2024.   “For our part, the Climate Change Commission is committed to providing technical assistance to SUCs in building capacities and skills to provide science-based and quality climate change adaptation and mitigation interventions to host communities and LGUs,” DED Cuenca said.   ISAT-U is one of UNESCO’s UNEVOC Network Members to strengthen the development and improvement of technical and vocational education in UNESCO Member States.   The UNEVOC network includes teaching, training, planning, research and development institutions, and entities within government ministries that are active in technical and vocational education.   The university’s commitment to the development of their GHG inventory will provide a science-based basis for their climate programs and contribute to the national GHG emission inventory.   For more information about the GHG Inventory and CCET, visit the website of the CCC at https://climate.gov.ph and https://niccdies.climate.gov.ph/.

13 October 2022, Kinshasa, DRC. In the lead-up to the COP27 in Egypt, the Philippines was chosen to co-facilitate and lead discussion on global agenda for climate finance, including on urgent actions needed to bolster assistance to developing countries based on commitments by developed countries.   The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat and the Arab Republic of Egypt, as the incoming Presidency of the 27th Session of Conference of the Parties (COP27), requested the Philippines to co-facilitate a session on climate finance.   Robert E.A. Borje, Climate Change Commission (CCC) Vice Chair and Executive Director, as Philippine representative at the recently held PRECOP27 Meeting in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), co-facilitated the sessions on climate finance with Poland.   The session was attended by 17 countries, namely, Angola, Argentina, Chad, Denmark, Germany, Ghana, Japan, the Maldives, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United States of America and Zambia, as well as the European Union Commission.   The discussions were steered towards ideas and strategies to move forward the agenda on climate finance. This includes the fulfillment of the $100 billion financial commitment by developed countries under the Paris Agreement, and the need to set a higher climate finance target through the New Collective Quantified Goal of the Glasgow Climate Pact.   In his report-back session at PRECOP27, VCED Borje presented the outcomes of the discussions, highlighting the recommended strategies of countries to expeditiously mobilize climate finance.   On the $100 billion commitment, Parties stated that contributions are being made to immediately fulfill the delivery of climate finance obligations by developed countries. It was also pointed out, however that there remains a need to go beyond the $100 billion to provide sufficient support to at-risk developing nations.   As co-facilitator, the Philippines helped ensure that discussions were anchored on the commitments of developed nations to support developing nations, particularly those at risk and vulnerable nations, as provided in the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.   Towards substantial progress in climate finance delivery by 2025, VCED Borje highlighted that discussions stressed that the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance must be anchored on the needs of the developing nations, and entail key elements on transparency, responsiveness, and scale.   VCED Borje also mentioned that countries pointed out the need to be “innovative, creative and flexible” in tapping financial resources both from public and private sources toward low-carbon and climate-resilient development, consistent with Article 2 of the Paris Agreement.   After the report-back session, the Philippines was approached by representatives of Argentina, Brazil, the Czech Republic, the Maldives, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom (COP26 Presidency), commending the facilitation and the reporting of the session outcomes.   Mr. Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), likewise lauded the Philippines for its “very active role in the PRECOP27,” as co-facilitator on climate finance, and in “understanding the divergence, the outcome, and how to bring Parties together to move the agenda forward.”   The Democratic Republic of the Congo, in partnership with the Arab Republic of Egypt as the incoming COP27 Presidency, and the UNFCCC, convened 60 countries in Kinshasa for PRECOP27 to advance the discussions on major climate issues ahead of COP27.   The CCC, as the National Focal Point to the UNFCCC, represented the Philippines in said preparatory meeting for COP27.   The PreCOP27 was held on October 3 to 5, 2022 in Palais de Peuple in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.   In the lead to COP27, the COP27 Presidency and the UNFCCC will be convening the Heads of Delegations to an informal consultation on mitigation and finance on 13-15 October 2022 in Alexandria, Egypt.   COP27 will be held on 06 to 18 November 2022 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

08 October 2022, Kinshasa, DRC – The Philippines pressed anew for stronger global agenda for climate action for developing vulnerable, at-risk states at the PRECOP27 Meeting in the Democratic Republic of Congo.   Robert E.A. Borje, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director (VCED) of the Philippines’ Climate Change Commission (CCC), stressed the importance of reaching agreement and urgent collective action to address climate change and its impacts. He pointed out that developing nations suffer the most while contributing the least to climate change.   “PRECOP27 in Kinshasa provides parties and partners a vital opportunity to discuss at length what is important for all in order to make significant headway in addressing climate change and its impacts, particularly for developing at-risk and vulnerable states like the Philippines,” said Borje.   On adaptation, Borje said that the Philippines pushed for fast-tracking finance, technology and capacity development to build adaptive capacities, improve resilience, and reduce vulnerabilities of developing countries, in accordance with the Global Goal on Adaptation.   On mitigation, the Philippines stressed that emissions avoidance must be part of the mitigation action to accelerate just transition to low carbon development in developing nations, while underscoring that the global Mitigation Work Programme must be operationalized with due regard for developing countries’ need for accelerated provision of support for just transition.   On the other hand, for climate finance, the Philippines pointed out that the New Collective Quantified Goal must include the key elements of transparency, responsiveness, and scale. The Philippines likewise emphasized that climate finance must be accurately reported while being needs-based, and commensurate to the need of potential recipients.   From the $100 billion climate finance commitment of developed countries under the Paris Agreement, the New Collective Quantified Goal must set a higher target for climate finance to help implement climate change-related strategies and measures.    With a view to realizing climate justice for vulnerable and at-risk developing nations, the Philippines underscored that access by least developed and developing countries to financial mechanisms must be streamlined and simplified.   On loss and damage, the Philippines raised concern that least developed and developing countries can no longer absorb and afford the cost of further losses and damages due to climate change and its impacts.   In this regard, the Philippines argued that there must be an agenda item on loss and damage, as well as dedicated space to discuss the operationalization of the Santiago Network.   The Santiago Network is established to catalyze technical support of organizations, bodies, networks and experts for developing countries to avert, minimize, and address climate change-related loss and damage.   The Santiago Network is targeted to be fully operationalized by 2023.   Additionally, the Philippines underlined that dedicated discussion space must be provided for the financing for loss and damage, and the governance structure of the Warsaw International Mechanism as established to implement approaches to loss and damage. All of this is in line with the Paris Agreement and the Glasgow Climate Pact, among other international frameworks and commitments.   The Democratic Republic of Congo, in partnership with the Arab Republic of Egypt as the incoming COP27 Presidency, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), convened 60 countries in Kinshasa for PRECOP27 to advance the discussions on major climate issues ahead of COP27.   The CCC, as the National Focal Point to the UNFCCC, represented the Philippines in said preparatory meeting for COP27.   The PreCOP27 was held on October 3 to 5, 2022 in Palais de Peuple in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.   COP27 will be held on 06 to 18 November 2022 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

MANILA, 28 September 2022 — For Episode 5 for the “Stories for a Better Reality (SFABR),” the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Climate Reality Project Philippines - Youth Cluster will feature youth-led initiatives on circular economy.   In celebration of the National Clean-Up Month, the episode will tackle innovations by youth organizations, promoting new and creative ways to achieve a circular economy and reduce plastic waste.   Youth organizations will present alternative solutions to reduce and resolve plastic pollution through technological and communication strategies: Ms. Mary Jane Lamoste of Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) Asia and Ms. Tiara Samson of Break Free From Plastic Movement.   In the #ExpertsExplain segment, Mr. Carlo Delantar, founding partner of Core Capital, will discuss circular economy and available funding support for related innovation.   From the government, Ms. Juvinia P. Serafin, Senior Environmental Management Specialist and OIC-Chief at the Solid Waste Management Division, Environmental Management Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), will serve as a reactor.   The circular economy is a model of production and consumption which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling of existing materials and products as long as possible. In this way, the life cycle of products is extended.   Citizen-led efforts such as clean-up drives have been instrumental in leading local efforts to reduce waste. In particular, young people have played an important role in promoting the circular economy as a model to reduce waste.   The upcoming episode will underscore that while there is no single solution to plastic pollution, rapid and concerted action can contribute towards the solvability of this global problem.   Episode 5 of SFABR will be streamed this Friday, 30 September 2022, 10:00 AM through the Facebook pages of the CCC (https://www.facebook.com/CCCPhl) and the Climate Reality Project Philippines.   “Stories for A Better Reality” is a monthly webcast series that tackles climate issues, promotes initiatives and solutions, and informs policy and action by framing the discussion from the perspective of youth.   SFABR is organized in partnership between the CCC and the Climate Reality Project Philippines, with support from the Department of Education, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Youth Commission, and Kids for Kids and Wavefarers.

Photo courtesy of : President Bongbong Marcos' Facebook Page 21 September 2022, Manila – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) lauded President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.'s rallying call for climate justice and unlocking climate finance for vulnerable and at-risk nations, saying the President’s speech at the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA77) sets the groundwork for principled global climate action. In the UNGA77 High-Level General Debate, President Marcos underscored the need to address climate injustice with “those who need to do more must act now.” President Marcos called on industrialized countries to ‘cut greenhouse gas emissions’ and provide ‘climate finance’ and ‘technology transfer’ for the most vulnerable and developing nations, including the Philippines. CCC Vice Chair and Executive Director (VCED) Robert E.A. Borje highlighted the importance of President Marcos’ clear articulation of the Philippine positions in UNGA77: attain climate justice, unlock climate finance, while being a responsible member of the international community. “The Philippines has a strong and resonant voice for climate justice to make sure that the global community urgently responds to the needs of the times,” said VCED Borje. With limited resources to implement mitigation and adaptation strategies, VCED Borje pointed out President Marcos’ call to “unlock climate finance” for at-risk and vulnerable nations was crucial. VCED Borje added that the Philippines is working with other nations to ensure allocation for adaptation is doubled, and that climate change-related losses and damages are funded by developed nations based on commitments under the Paris Agreement. These principled positions by the Philippines have also been articulated by the CCC in relevant fora in the lead up to the 27th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP27), including at the UN’s Third Technical Expert Dialogue on Climate Finance in Manila, and the Informal Consultation on Loss and Damage in Cairo, Egypt. For the COP27, the Philippines will continue to push for the delivery of climate finance that is needs-based, anchored on the principles of climate justice and equity, and guided by President Marcos’ statement in UNGA77. The COP27 will take place on 06-18 November 2022, in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

Manila, 9 September 2022 – The Philippines called for climate equity and justice through the delivery of climate finance at the opening of the Third Technical  Expert Dialogue (TED3) on Climate Finance of the United Nations Framework  Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on 6 September 2022.   Robert E.A. Borje, Climate Change Commission (CCC) Vice Chair and Executive Director (VCED), said that the dialogue is an “opportunity to advance inclusive  climate finance” driven by a process that ensures “balanced geographical participation, particularly of developing states in the Asia-Pacific region.”   As vulnerable countries like the Philippines bear the brunt of climate change,  VCED Borje emphasized the need for methodological approaches that will  produce pragmatic solutions to address the impact of climate change.   VCED Borje also said that the Philippines will continue to do its part, consistent  with the pronouncement of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr.   VCED pointed out that under President Marcos’ administration, there is a  proposal to increase national budget allocation for climate change-related  programs, projects and activities.   The Philippines will also pursue stronger collaboration with partners and  stakeholders “to implement more climate actions with results,” added VCED Borje   VCED Borje emphasized the need for and the importance of all nations working  together to fight the impacts of climate change. “But we, the at-risk developing  nations, cannot do it alone. And even if any of us can, we should not do it alone. We should work together for our One World, for One Humanity.”   The 3rd TED, as a gathering of global climate finance experts, was described as an important venue to call on the NCQGCF to look beyond what specific countries can afford.   According to the Germanwatch Index, the Philippines ranked 4th most vulnerable country to climate change. The country faces an average of 20 typhoons a year, with losses and damages in the past decade amounting to a 0.5% loss in the Philippines’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP).VCED Borje pointed out that the NCQGFC should focus on providing financial assistance to more vulnerable and less endowed countries, in fulfillment of the Paris Agreement.   TED3 likewise provides the opportunity “to be influenced by the best available  science, to rectify past mistakes on not considering uncertainties, costing for  externalities, and affording ample space to innovate – so that rehabilitation is not  the norm.”   VCED Borje closed his speech by challenging participating climate finance experts to focus on a paradigm shift for climate finance and investment: “This is what we mean by Build Right at First Sight: to build justly and efficiently at first sight, with a long-term horizon in mind. Our discussions will go beyond dollars and cents.   It will be recommendations for actions that will affect the lives and livelihood of  nations. Today is an opportunity to get things right. To secure climate equity and  justice for all.”   The Ad Hoc Work Programme on New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate  Finance (NCQGCF) created under the Paris Agreement is tasked to conduct four  (4) TEDs annually until 2024. The first and second TEDs were hosted by South  Africa and Germany, respectively.   As the UNFCCC National Focal Point for the Philippines, the CCC is co-hosting  the TED3, in partnership with the UNFCCC Secretariat and the Asian  Development Bank.   In the lead up to the 27th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP27) to the  UNFCCC in Egypt this November, the four-day TED3 is expected to identify the  needs and priorities of developing countries, including their scope, and  quantitative and qualitative aspects for equitable and resilient climate action.   TED3 is also seen to advance discussion on the roles of public and private sectors  toward efficient delivery and mobilization of climate finance, for low carbon and  climate-resilient development.   For more information about the TED3 and the Philippine Government’s  preparation for COP27, visit www.climate.gov.ph.

MANILA, 2 September 2022 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) renewed its commitments toward gender-mainstreamed climate actions, and inclusive and safe workplace for CCC employees.   CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje recently signed two (2) administrative issuances to further scale-up in-office gender and development (GAD) efforts.   These include the reconstitution of the GAD Focal Point System (GFPS), and the creation of the Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CoDI).   “The reconstitution of GFPS will catalyze and accelerate gender mainstreaming within the Climate Change Commission, with women heavily engaged in the delivery of mandates,” VCED Borje said.   “Accordingly, the creation of CoDI will help assure all CCC employees, regardless of rank and status, that they are safe from any forms of sexual harassment in the workplace,” VCED Borje added.   At present, the CCC has more than 65% female employees, with half of the Management Committee comprised of women.   The reconstituted GFPS will be chaired by Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera, the lone female Commissioner of the CCC.   “With the new CCC GAD Focal Point System, we will work further to mainstream gender-responsive policies in our climate programs, activities, and projects, and ensure a strong gender support system within our institution,” said Commissioner Herrera.   The ceremonial signing of the administrative issuances was attended by VCED Borje, Commissioner Herrera, and Commissioner Albert P. Dela Cruz, Sr., together with Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Deputy Executive Director Maria Kristine Josefina G. Balmes.   “Women’s power is not just for nation-building, but also for the family as the basic unit of the society. Women are the teachers and leaders of our children, which have significant impacts on families’ ability to reduce carbon footprint,” Commissioner Dela Cruz said.   The PCW welcomed and supported these developments which will contribute to the holistic GAD mainstreaming performance of the CCC.   “Rest assured that PCW is willing to provide the utmost support to your agencies’ needs to recognize and surface gender issues in order to formulate the necessary interventions in our institutions to further influence our communities," said PCW Deputy Executive Director Balmes.   The CCC is committed to strengthen the aspect of gender empowerment in climate action as enshrined and demonstrated in the international and national policies, systems, and processes.   "We hope that we are engaging our women to be equal partners in nation-building, the vision that we have set for the country and the battle that we hope to win for a climate-resilient country and healthy communities,” said Commissioner Herrera.   Know more about the gender mainstreaming initiatives of the Climate Change Commission by following its social media handles, @CCCPhl, and by visiting its official website at www.climate.gov.ph. 

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BERLIN, 18 July 2022 — Upon the invitation of Germany’s Foreign Federal Office and the Goethe Institut, Climate Change Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera and seven other experts participated in the learning exchange program “Climate Policy for 2050” held in Berlin and Hamburg, Germany from 19 to 25 June 2022.   Participants from Costa Rica, Finland, Israel, Japan, Kurdistan region of Iraq, Mozambique, and Romania joined Commissioner Herrera to the roundtable discussions and meetings with German ministry units, research institutes, and universities to explore German policies toward reducing carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Germany has set ambitious targets of 80% greenhouse gas reduction by 2045 and renewable energy and energy efficiency will be the standard for investments to keep their economy competitive in a decarbonizing world.   “I thank the German Government for extending the invitation to the Philippine Climate Change Commission (CCC) to this learning workshop. The relationship between Germany and Philippines remains strong and positive. We are already working on many fronts, import of exchanges and sharing of experience towards increased climate change capacities,” said CCC Secretary Robert E.A. Borje. “Rest assured that we will sustain this international engagement to address the existential threat of climate change and its impacts,” he added.   Forging ahead on climate action, the Philippines has always taken on important leadership roles in international climate diplomacy and in crafting more effective and more equitable international climate policies. As a country most vulnerable to climate change, the Philippines can learn a great deal from Germany in a wide range of fields from transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy, energy efficiency, climate adaptation such as through flood protection, disaster risk reduction, and sustainability.   “We hope to count on Germany as a strong partner in this particular endeavor for climate justice and equity, bound not just by our shared goals for a more sustainable future, but by our shared understanding that no nation is safe from the climate crisis until all nations are,” Herrera said in a meeting with German officials.   The group was hosted by Ambassador Hinrich Thölken, Federal Foreign Office Special Advisor on International Climate and Energy Policy in a roundtable discussion on international climate efforts and partnerships, and met with Dr. Martin Weiß, Head of Division KB1 Climate Protection Programme at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action to learn about the country’s specific policy and market-based mechanisms towards targeting net-zero emissions by 2045.   They also engaged with subject matter experts such as Dr. Oliver Richters of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research; energiewaechter GmbH (energy and building sector industry consultants) representatives led by Prof. Dr. Eckhart Hertszch, Professor for Sustainable Urban Neighbourhoods at the Technische Universitat Berlin; and Spreeakademie Managing Director Sebastian Zoepp, on climate risk management and socioeconomic research, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and just transition from coal mining in the Lusatia region.   In Hamburg, they visited the Climate Service Center (GERICS) where Dr. Peer Seipold, Head of Department, and Ph.D student Mr. Cristóbal Reveco presented the extensive work of GERICS worldwide to assess the impact of climate change on private sector planning and investment. Thereafter, the group toured the Hamburg port city waterfront, together with the Ministry of Transport and Mobility Transition Agency of Roads, Bridges and Waterways (LSBG) where Mr. Jan-Moritz Müller of the Water Bodies and Flood Protection Division, Hydrology and Water Management Department presented the city’s latest programs to protect against floods and storm surge.   The tour also provided more opportunity to learn about climate-resilient hydrology studies through discussions with Dr. Horst Sterr, geographer and Professor Emeritus of the Christian Albrecht University of Kiel together with his team of experts on sea level rise and flood risk management in the context of the Baltic Sea and North Sea, with aspects of nature-based solutions and information and education campaigns targeting the community.   Herrera also paid a courtesy visit to the Philippine Embassy in Berlin Chargé d' Affaires Lilibeth Pono to urge continued cooperation between Germany and the Philippines in pursuit of productive exchanges on science-based climate planning and programming.