The Philippines and Paris Agreement: Understanding the Importance of Climate Change Mitigation
Climate change is a global issue that affects every country in the world. The Philippines is one nation that is particularly vulnerable to its impacts, with natural disasters like typhoons and floods becoming more frequent and intense. This is why the country has been actively participating in international efforts to combat climate change, including the Paris Agreement.
The Paris Agreement is a historic international agreement that was adopted in 2015 by 195 countries, including the Philippines. Its goal is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This is crucial because a temperature increase of more than 2 degrees Celsius would have disastrous consequences for the planet and its inhabitants.
The Paris Agreement requires each participating country to submit a pledge, known as a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), outlining their specific targets and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Philippines` NDC includes a commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030, compared to its business-as-usual scenario. This is a significant target, given that the Philippines is a developing country with limited resources.
To achieve its NDC target, the Philippines has implemented various measures such as promoting the use of renewable energy, developing energy-efficient buildings, and improving public transportation. The country has also established policies and regulations to support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
However, the Philippines` efforts to combat climate change are not limited to its own borders. The country is also an active participant in international climate negotiations and has been advocating for the rights of developing countries, particularly in terms of climate finance. The Philippines has emphasized the importance of providing financial and technical support to developing countries to help them transition to a low-carbon economy and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
In conclusion, the Philippines` participation in the Paris Agreement is a reflection of its commitment to mitigating the impacts of climate change. The country`s NDC target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030 is a challenging but necessary goal. By implementing measures to reduce emissions and advocating for the rights of developing countries, the Philippines is playing a critical role in global efforts to combat climate change.