(Eagle News) — The Paris Agreement on Climate Change will take effect in the Philippines next month.
This is according to Senator Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate committee on climate change.
According to Legarda, the historic agreement that aims to keep global average temperature to well below two degrees Celsius below pre-industrial levels, and to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius, will enter into force in the country on April 22, exactly a year the Philippines signed the treaty together with over a hundred nations.
The coming into force of the agreement also coincides with Earth Day.
“Earth Day will once again be historic for the Philippines as it will mark the commencement of the Paris Agreement’s legal force and effect in our country. It will also mark a great start to our journey towards a resilient and sustainable future,” Legarda said.
According to the senator, the country’s representatives in the climate talks “can now actively participate in the negotiations.”
“We will exercise governance, oversight, leadership, and decision-making and continue to be a strong actor in advancing our country’s interests. Developed nations must provide the necessary assistance for climate adaptation and mitigation to developing nations especially the vulnerable ones like the Philippines,” she said.
Malacañang transmitted to the Senate the signed Instrument of Accession on February 28.
President Rodrigo Duterte had signed the agreement despite initial apprehensions, saying it was a “Cabinet decision” that prevailed in the end.
Voting 22-0, the Senate mid-March adopted a resolution concurring in the Philippines’ accession to the agreement.