Taking the path to net zero carbon
MORE and more companies are going green, implementing environmental programs beyond the usual tree-planting, and introducing innovative solutions to the problems as a result of climate change.
Some companies integrate disaster risk reduction into their business plans.
Others take on the challenge of substantially reducing carbon footprints through energy conservation, while others shift to a low-carbon, renewable energy path.
Today’s buzzword, however, goes beyond mere greening or introducing energy conservation measures.
The mission and vision of every company are evolving, from leading to a linear, to circular economy and from resilience, to sustainability—net zero.
Demystifying net zero
BUT what is net zero, compared to carbon neutrality?
During her lecture, Ping Manongdo, country director Philippines and assistant director of Partnerships of Eco-business, said carbon neutrality and net zero are often interchanged.
While both concepts aim to mitigate the impacts of climate change by reducing and removing emissions, she said they differ fundamentally in definition, strategy, and effect.
“Net zero means cutting carbon emissions to a small amount of residual emissions that can be absorbed and durably stored by nature and other carbon dioxide removal measures, leaving zero in the atmosphere,” she said.
On the other hand, carbon neutrality refers to a state where a person, organization, or country’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are balanced by offsetting those emissions by purchasing carbon credits.
While the Philippines has already submitted an ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution wherein it commits to a projected GHG emissions reduction and avoidance of 75 percent, it does not yet have a hard net zero target, making it the only Asian nation that has not committed to such status.
“The Philippines has set a target to increase renewable energy in its energy mix by up to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. With economic capacity growth projected at 6 percent per year, experts say the country is not set to meet this target,” she said.
Media training
DURING the Net Zero 101 Media Training held at a Taguig mall on April 16 organized by the Net Zero Carbon Alliance, Lloyd Cameron, Economic and Climate counsellor of the British Embassy Manila, underscored the need to communicate the plight of the most vulnerable and report on the opportunities for those who choose to proactively lower their carbon emissions, highlighting the impacts of climate change.
“[This is] because people are never going to demand action unless they care, and people are never going to care unless they understand. That is your role—to make that connection, to build that understanding. We need accurate and impactful media coverage about these issues and why they matter to everyone,” he addressed the participants.
The event drew 80 journalists, corporate communicators, government agency representatives and industry leaders to share insights and knowledge on how to best communicate the challenge of the changing climate.
Participants learned about and discussed numerous topics related to more effective net zero media reporting, including the crucial role of finance in driving the transition to a net zero economy, accountability among enterprises and policy-makers, and the complex nature of international climate negotiations.
The Net Zero 101 Media Training was in partnership with leading sustainability and environment, social and governance media and intelligence online platform Ecobusiness, and the British Embassy Manila.
From neutrality to zero
ESTABLISHED by First Gen’s renewable energy arm, Energy Development Corp. (EDC) on September 20, 2021, NZCA is a pioneering private sector consortium advancing progress on carbon neutrality toward net-zero emissions by 2050.
This aligns with the climate action goals of the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees.
In establishing the NZCA, Federico R. Lopez, EDC chairman and CEO, said every single industry today will be affected by the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
He said taking the necessary actions that prepare companies and the country for these massive shifts in how the world works will be worthwhile investments with immeasurable returns.
NZCA aims to form strategic partnerships that encourage other companies to commit to taking immediate action to become carbon neutral and eventually net zero, said Frances Ariola, head of Corporate Communications of EDC and lead convenor, NZCA.
“The NZCA is anchored on EDC’S mission to forge collaborative pathways for a decarbonized and regenerative future,”she said.
Currently, the NZCA has 22 member companies.
Private-sector role
ATTY. Allan V. Barcena, EDC assistant vice president, head of Corporate Support Functions, and NZCA executive director, emphasized the important role of the private sector.
He said that in the face of climate change, the role of the private sector in contributing to the global net zero objectives despite the current absence of a formal government commitment cannot be overemphasized.
“NZCA as a private sector alliance is the start. We need to commit and align with the global pledge to reach net zero by 2050; we measure and we take action. It is a cycle that we need to be involved in,” he explained.
During the event, best practices and case studies on net-zero initiatives and climate action were shared in panel discussions with corporate sustainability experts from NZCA member companies, such as Unilever, Holcim, Mondelez, Cemex, Arthaland Corp. and Drink Sustainability Communications.
He said the NZCA is open to companies, big or small, that are willing and able to reduce carbon emissions and take the part towards Net Zero.
Secretary Robert E.A. Borje of the Climate Change Commission said: “I am filled with a sense of optimism and determination as the discussions we have had today laid the path forward in our collective journey toward a climate resilient, sustainable and net-zero future.”
“I am particularly delighted with the commitment of the NZCA to championing private-sector action on net zero. Your leadership and dedication are essential in overcoming the challenges ahead and accelerating progress toward our shared agenda. It is only through continued collaboration, innovation, and determination that we will overcome the climate crisis,” he added.
Media network
DURING the event, aparticipants came together to initiate the formation of the Net Zero Media Network.
This new network aims to foster collaboration, share resources, and enhance the quality of reporting on sustainability and net zero initiatives.
The collective effort underscores the commitment of media professionals to driving informed dialogue and action on climate change through impactful journalism.