Climate change turning hazard into opportunity

MANILA, Philippines -  Countering climate change must be one of our top priorities in the 21st century. It has become a danger to the ecosystem on our planet and challenges our way of living. It is a contributing factor to increased economic and security risks domestically and globally. The rise in global temperatures poses strong risks for natural systems and human societies. Around the world countries are already facing negative impacts of global warming, changes in rainfall patterns, and increasing number of extreme weather events like cyclones, flooding, and drought.

But only a few countries are as exposed and vulnerable to climate change as the Philippines. The sad track record of natural disasters during recent years with typhoon Yolanda outclassing even the strongest storms in history urges us to move swiftly on a climate-resilient and low carbon pathway.

Following the latest assessment report of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) our adaptation and mitigation choices in the near term will affect the risks of climate change throughout the 21st century. International climate policy and sustainable economic development are mutually reinforcing. If we are bold and make the right choices today then despite all odds, climate change presents an opportunity.

Preventing dangerous climate change is a strategic priority for the European Union and its member states. European leaders have committed to transforming Europe into a highly energy-efficient, low carbon economy while encouraging other regions and nations to do likewise, including the Philippines.

Top priority for the Philippines is to reduce the risks imposed by natural disasters and to empower local communities to enhance their resiliency towards climate change. Including climate relevant assessments in land use and development planning will lead towards sustainable growth. A growth that is to be fuelled by renewable energy combined with other low carbon sources and technologies in order to also address the mitigation part is attainable.

Our governments will continue to support the Philippine government to achieve a climate and disaster risk resilient Philippines enjoying sustainable development. With various projects we directly contribute to securing natural resources as a basis for local livelihoods as well as awareness raising, skills and capacity development for climate protection and adaptation, and to the enhancement of employment opportunities and investments in renewable energies. Anchored on strengthening the capacity of people and institutions they aim to improve the lives of Filipinos in this generation and generations to come.

Germany and the UK have jointly established the NAMA Facility, an innovative funding mechanism that assists countries in their efforts towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and low carbon development. The Philippines has already submitted a proposal to this Facility on improving its solid waste sector and making it more climate friendly.

At the international level the European Union strives to achieve a binding agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris 2015 with participation of all states to limit global warming to below 2°C in order to avoid further aggravating disasters caused by climate change. The EU seeks to drive up the levels of ambition and climate finance to help others adapt and mitigate against the threat. The Philippines can play a positive role in the international climate negotiations. We need to break the divide between developed and developing countries. Climate change does not respect national borders. It is a shared problem that requires everyone to play a part in tackling. Germany, the UK and France are prepared to join hands with the Philippines in a concerted effort to achieve this goal.