President Aquino called on the international community of nations to conclude a universal climate change agreement when they meet in Paris late this year to save the planet from destruction.
In a statement during the launch of the Manila Call to Action on Climate Change in Malacañang Palace, the President said he welcomed the initiative and emphasized the need for all countries to work together to address the dangers posed by climate change.
“The choice before us is clear. We can either overcome this problem together, or together reap the consequences of apathy,” he said during the launch, which was attended by visiting President of the French Republic François Hollande.
“For this reason, it is incumbent upon us to conclude a universal climate change agreement in Paris later this year: one that is ambitious; that is guided by science, and that allows developing countries to pursue their economic goals in the context of sustainable development.”
The President also assured that the Philippines will continue to exert all efforts to address the issue, and adhere to the commitments outlined in the call to action.
“We stand in hope that many nations in the global community will do the same,” he said.
As a small Pacific nation, the Philippines is already feeling the effects of climate change through stronger typhoons in increasing frequency, he noted, adding that as a result, the country has found itself in a vicious and unsustainable cycle of destruction and reconstruction.
President Aquino extended his gratitude to President Hollande, along with all nations that have pledged action to address the global threat. (PND)