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Roy Cimatu
The Philippines is leaning toward declaring a climate emergency, which would deepen the country’s commitment to action to control the climate crisis, according to Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu.
Cimatu, who also chairs the cabinet group on climate change adaptation, mitigation and disaster risk reduction, said the government’s programs and initiatives were already geared towards declaring a climate emergency.
Environmentalists and scientists have repeatedly urged President Duterte to declare a climate emergency as a policy instrument to help the country achieve its goals under the Paris Agreement.
“The Philippines has already suffered billions of losses, damage and disruptions due to the impacts of hydro-meteorological hazards, so there is an urgent need to address the most projected adverse impacts to ensure climate justice for current and future generations of Filipinos. “Cimatu said in a statement Sunday.
The declaration of a climate emergency, he said, would also deepen the country’s commitment to protecting the environment, economy and communities from the impacts of the climate crisis.
Cabinet group
Cimatu said that earlier this year, his cabinet group passed a resolution supporting House Resolution No. 535, which would declare a climate change disaster and emergency in the country. The House resolution was written and presented by Albay’s representative Joey Salceda in November of last year.
The cabinet group also passed another resolution that underscored the need to consolidate government data to form a national climate risk assessment.
Greenpeace Philippines said the declaration of a climate emergency will enable a recovery that “will transform our economy and society to deal with the climate crisis.”
Duterte, in his speech at the UN General Assembly last month, urged signatories to the Paris Agreement to deliver on their promises of climate action.
His spokesman, Harry Roque, said Duterte would consider the suggestion to declare a climate emergency, citing climate change as “high on the president’s agenda.” –JHESSET O. ENANO INQ
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