Magisterial Lectures | Antonio La Viña, JSD - What Can We Contribute to Win Against Climate Change?

Summary

The speaker emphasizes the urgency of combating climate change, stressing that while global impacts are inevitable, there is still time to act. The Paris Agreement, ratified by 191 countries, offers a framework for action, but the Philippines, a highly vulnerable nation, must contribute more to global mitigation efforts. The country’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) sets ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets, but more needs to be done, including strengthening climate governance, improving the energy sector, and integrating adaptation measures. The call for a just transition prioritizes the rights of the most vulnerable populations and urges global cooperation for meaningful climate action.

Takeaways

• 😀 Climate change is an urgent crisis, and its impacts are already being felt worldwide. Immediate action is needed to avoid the worst outcomes.
• 🌍 The Paris Agreement offers a pathway to limit global temperature rise, but only if countries implement the necessary measures by 2030.
• 🌱 The Philippines plays a key role in the climate fight, despite being a smaller emitter compared to major powers like the U.S. and China. It ranks in the top 40 emitters globally.
• 💪 The Philippines has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030, though it will need foreign assistance to meet most of this target.
• 🚨 While the NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution) includes important updates, the Philippines still heavily depends on international financial support for climate action.
• 🔋 The energy sector, responsible for over half of the Philippines' emissions, needs urgent reform, including transitioning away from coal and towards renewable energy sources.
• 🌳 The absence of forestry in the Philippines' updated NDC is a significant gap, as this sector is critical for carbon sequestration and could attract climate finance.
• ⚠️ There is a need for a more systematic approach to climate funding, with better integration of climate considerations into national budgeting and policy-making processes.
• 🛠️ Adaptation measures are just as important as mitigation. Priority actions include improving disaster preparedness, creating safer evacuation centers, and fostering collaboration across local and national agencies.
• 🌏 Climate justice must be central to the Philippines' climate policies, ensuring that marginalized communities such as indigenous peoples, women, and the urban poor are included in decision-making and benefit from climate action.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the lecture in the script?

The main theme of the lecture is the urgent need for global action to address climate change, focusing on the Paris Agreement, the Philippines' role, and the importance of mitigation and adaptation strategies to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

What is the significance of the Paris Agreement in the context of climate change?

The Paris Agreement, ratified by 191 countries, is a landmark international treaty aimed at limiting global temperature rise to well below 2°C, with efforts to restrict it to 1.5°C. It outlines commitments for each country to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and take climate action, with the Philippines' updated NDC highlighting its contributions.

What does the speaker mean by 'we are running out of time' in relation to climate action?

The speaker refers to the scientific consensus that the world has until 2030 to implement significant measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the worst impacts of climate change. Failure to act within this window will lead to irreversible and severe environmental damage.

How does the Philippines' emissions compare to other countries?

The Philippines is not a low emitter compared to all countries; it ranks between 30th and 40th in global emissions, with more than 150 countries emitting less than it. Despite its vulnerability to climate change, it must still reduce its emissions significantly.

What are the key goals of the Philippines' updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)?

The Philippines' updated NDC aims for a 75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, with 72.29% of this target conditional on foreign assistance. This represents an increase of 5% over the 2015 target and focuses on sectors like agriculture, waste, transport, and energy.

What are the positive aspects of the Philippines' updated NDC?

The updated NDC is notable for its inclusivity, engaging diverse groups like women, youth, indigenous peoples, and local communities. It emphasizes the private sector's role in supporting climate action and recognizes the importance of local governments in implementing measures.

What are some gaps in the Philippines' updated NDC that need addressing?

Key gaps include the reliance on foreign assistance for emissions reductions, the outdated greenhouse gas inventory, the exclusion of the forestry sector, and insufficient clarity on the baseline for emissions reductions, particularly in the energy sector.

Why is the forestry sector important for the Philippines' climate action efforts?

The forestry sector plays a crucial role in both mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon and providing co-benefits for adaptation. Its exclusion from the NDC weakens the country's overall strategy and misses an opportunity to attract climate finance for sustainable forest management.

What actions does the speaker suggest to strengthen the Philippines' climate governance?

The speaker suggests creating a dedicated department or agency, rather than relying on a commission, to lead climate action. Additionally, they recommend updating the 2009 Climate Change Act, revisiting the national strategy for climate action, and improving integration of climate considerations into national budgeting processes.

What are the recommended adaptation measures for the Philippines to address climate change?

Recommended adaptation measures include mainstreaming nature-based solutions, improving disaster preparedness, building durable evacuation centers, promoting interagency collaboration, and declaring a climate emergency to prioritize climate action across sectors.