MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III and other heads of state and government activated on Monday a coalition of 30 countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change in Paris.
Leaders seized day one of the Paris climate change conference, or COP21, to commit to "upscaled national cimate action to trigger great ambition."
"Individually, we are already survivors; collectively, we are a force towards a fairer, more climate-proactive world," Aquino said.
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The Climate Vulnerable Forum adopted the Manila-Paris declaration and a three-year road map of activities aimed at enhancing cooperation among and protection for the world's vulnerable countries.
Observers say the declaration is the strongest ever call from United Nations member states for zero emissions by mid-century 2060 to 2080 and renewable energy decarbonization by 2050.
Find the full text of the declaration below. You may also download a copy of the declaration here.