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MANILA, Philippines – As the Philippines was being hit by Typhoon Ulysses, President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday urged developed nations to cut their carbon emissions in a bid to combat the effects of climate change.
Duterte made the call to further strengthen cooperation in disaster risk reduction management during a plenary session of the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), after the catastrophic effects that left a series of typhoons that recently visited the country.
“We must amplify our voices to demand climate justice from those most responsible for this existential challenge we face today. Developed countries must lead deep and drastic cuts in carbon emissions. They must act now, or it would be too late. Or if I may add, it’s too late, ”Duterte said.
“This is your moral responsibility from which there must be no escape. Otherwise, it would be a great injustice: a double blow for those who bear the brunt of the adverse consequences of their past actions and present inactions, ”he added.
Duterte mentioned the recent Typhoon Rolly (international name: Goni) that left billions of pesos in damage to infrastructure and agriculture, and Ulises that has not yet left the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
“More than two weeks ago, the Philippines was hit by Typhoon Goni and, if I must tell you, we are now suffering in the midst of the Typhoon Ulysses storm. There is great damage and it is possible that I will not be present to attend more in this regard because I have to turn around and see what I can do for my people, “said the president.
“With timely disaster preparedness measures, we were able to save many lives. But the typhoon left a trail of destruction in infrastructure and property… This calamity is yet another reminder of the urgency of collective action to combat the effects of climate change, ”he said.
Typhoon Rolly killed at least 20 people and displaced thousands of families after it struck parts of the Bicol region and southern Luzon.
Meanwhile, Typhoon Ulysses caused flooding in various areas of Metro Manila and other provinces. He is scheduled to leave the Philippines on Friday morning.
NOAH project
However, the government’s response to calls for a more accurate and responsive disaster prevention and mitigation system, especially in high-risk areas in the Philippines, came to the fore, especially with the closure of the Department’s NOAH Project. Science and Technology (Nationwide Operational Hazard Assessment).
In February 2017, the NOAH Project closed due to an alleged lack of funds, its chief executive Mahar Lagmay said, although funding had been an issue even before the Duterte administration began.
However, the University of the Philippines adopted the project in order to continue its work, beginning with the installation of a new Noah center on the UP Diliman campus. His mission included conducting disaster science research, promoting the use of technology in forecasting, and assisting the government’s information campaigns on disaster mitigation.
EDV
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