‘Climate emergency declaration necessary’

Makati Mayor abby Binay cited the need to declare a global climate emergency in a speech she delivered over the weekend at the 2022 united nations climate change conference or coP27 held in Sharm el Sheikh, egypt.

via zoom, Mayor Binay said the declaration of a climate emergency is necessary to scale up resources and financing for urban adaptation and resilience to the effects of global warming.

She said government funds must be freed up for use in upgrading critical infrastructure, building more green spaces, and creating clean energy industries.

Binay shared Makati city’s experience on how national and local governments can source financing for urban climate change adaptation. in august, the city government declared a state of climate emergency.

“as temperatures and sea levels continue to rise, lowlying coastal areas in cities like Makati have become more vulnerable to strong typhoons that bring floods and landslides,” she said.

“this will result not only in the disruption of public services but also the displacement of families and even entire communities,” she added.

Makati has also been procuring modern equipment for use during disasters, along with providing “go bags,” and hard hats to residents, public school students and city hall employees.

the city has also passed ordinances on solid waste management, a “green” building code, ban on plastic and cigarette smoking, and smoke-belching, among others, to ease the environmental impact of related activities.

@tribunephl_ana PhotograPh by analy labor for the daily tribune ENVIRONMENTAL warriors press their point that easing the effects of climate change is a concern for everyone during the Asian Day of Action for Climate and Economic Justice on Monday in Quezon City.