QUEZON CITY, April 22 — There’s another reason to celebrate this year’s Earth Day.
Celebrity and former National Youth Commissioner Jose Sixto “Dingdong” G. Dantes III asserts that the Earth Day this 2016 marks the success of young Filipino climate advocates who led and signed up for the #NowPH movement, in order to push for the approval of the Paris Agreement in France last year.
Launched by the National Youth Commission (NYC) and the Climate Change Commission (CCC), the #NowPH or Not on Our Watch Philippines called on global leaders to conclude a “universal, equitable and ambitious” climate deal that will limit global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius and prevent further climate havoc especially in highly vulnerable countries such as the Philippines.
The movement with the support of local and foreign institutions gathered around 3.6 million signatures and generated 221 million social media interactions, which were presented by Dantes together with His Excellency President Benigno S. Aquino III during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) last November 30, 2015 in Paris, France.
However, Dantes reiterated that the official turnover of signatures in Paris is just the beginning of a more unified and sustainable climate movement for the Filipino youth. Furthermore, the campaign’s message is relevant not only to COP21 but also to the ceremonial signing of the Paris Agreement happening today in New York.
“This generation is asserting their rightful claim for a climate-resilient and low-carbon future,” Dantes said. “The unified voice for climate action of the Filipino youth doesn’t end in Paris but echoes all the way to New York and even until the climate deal comes into fruition.”
NYC Commissioner Earl Saavedra also emphasized the important role of the youth in realizing the objectives of the Paris Agreement, which will be implemented from 2020 onwards.
“We have seen young Filipino leaders and organizations who are making significant strides in addressing the climate crisis. With the proper guidance and encouragement, they can definitely contribute in the implementation and institutionalization of the climate agreement as an effective youth participation strategy,” expressed Saavedra.
On the other hand, CCC has just emphasized its commitment to focus on renewable energy in order to curb greenhouse gas emissions and ensure sustainable development in response to the new and legally-binding climate deal.
“We must seize the opportunity now. A decisive transition to clean energy is good for the climate and makes financial and economic sense,” Secretary Emmanuel De Guzman said in a separate interview.
In order to take effect, the Paris Agreement would need the ratification of 55 states representing at least 55% of global greenhouse gas emission.
As of writing, US and China, accounting for 40% of global carbon emissions, have signified their intent to sign the climate accord. (NYC)