The commemoration of the 17th Climate Change Consciousness Week from Nov. 19 to 25 comes at a time when the effects of climate change are very apparent around us.
We do not only read about massive floods, heavy rains and strong winds in Europe and the United States, we have experienced that many times in the recent past. Several cities and towns have experienced a month’s rain being dumped in a day. Flood waters have stayed for days. And most recently, six strong cyclones came one after the other in a month, battering many parts of the country, claiming many lives, and causing huge amounts of damage to our food supply and infrastructure.
We have also read about many initiatives to mitigate the effects of climate change. One of these is the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference, or Conference of the Parties, commonly known as COP 29, held in Azerbaijan, from Nov, 11 to 22, where the world united around climate action.
In the Philippines, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) is “mandated to ensure the mainstreaming of climate change in national, sectoral and local development plans and programs,” according to Republic Act No. 9729. Proclamation No 1667 signed in 2008, has designated “Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week” to raise awareness and develop solutions to the climate crisis.
This year’s theme is “Aksyon at Adaptasyon ng Makabagong Henerasyon” (Action and adaptation of the new generation). The CCC activities focus on “action” to emphasize the importance of implementing concrete measures to mitigate climate risks; and “adaptation” to build resilience.
The activities will highlight the Commission’s ongoing projects, among them the Net Zero Challenge, and a comprehensive climate discussion on the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), and on “Intersections between the Law of the Sea and International Environmental Law” in collaboration with the University of the Philippines.
“This year’s observance urges all Filipinos to embrace bold, adaptive strategies that prioritize community engagement, resilience, and sustainability in addressing the climate crisis,” the CCC said.
Initiatives to mitigate the effects of climate change need the collaboration of government and the private sector. This collaboration was shown during the opening ceremonies of the Climate Change Consciousness Week with representatives from government agencies and private organizations in attendance.
Sec. Robert Borje, CCC vice chairman and executive director, said: “The work ahead of us remains challenging, but together, multiple stakeholders can make a difference. This week will pave a path toward a stronger and transformative climate action and adaptation.”
At the local government level, the Commission’s work includes training local government units (LGUs) to fast-track the development and implementation of Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs) to achieve the objectives of the National Adaptation Plan and the Nationally Determined Contributions Investment Plan (NDCIP). At a workshop conducted last month, about 800 participants were given guidance on how to integrate climate adaptation and mitigation strategies into local development plans, strengthening their capacity to respond to climate-related risks.
At the household level, it is the responsibility of heads of families to initiate and implement action to contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change. They should keep themselves and their families informed of how daily personal choices can contribute to these initiatives – like avoiding the use of single-use plastics, or leaving our cars home once a week, or proper disposal of solid waste. We must do our part now.
