Next step for PH, world: Deciding CO cuts for Paris pact
Since 1992, carbon pollutionconcerned countries have been split into two groups; the developed countries that were collectively responsible for the majority of historical greenhouse gas emissions were placed in Annex 1 of the treaty, and the developing countries were labeled as non- Annex 1. Under the Kyoto Protocol, only Annex 1 countries are required to take on binding emissions reduction commitments.
The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities effectively demolished that division. All nations, large and small, are producing varying amounts of greenhouse gases. So, all must cut accordingly, if global warming is to be held below 2°C compared to the temperature in pre-industrial times.
To be consistent with this principle, the European Union stressed that the obligations of the parties must reflect “evolving realities, circumstances, responsibilities and capabilities in a fair and dynamic way that is ambitious enough to keep us on track to achieve the below 2°C objective.”
Many developing countries, particularly those highly vulnerable to climate impacts, tend to reject this concept. But it imposes on nations like the Philippines both a moral and legal obligation to do their share. This is the same principle that compels us to share in the upkeep of the United Nations, the same principle why every Filipino who earns an income pays taxes to support the government. We should be com- fortable with this principle because it largely reflects the “bayanihan” spirit in the Filipino culture.
An ad hoc body, say the Climate Pact Committee (CPC) should be organized. Members should include all the government agencies whose fields contribute significantly to environmental degradation together with the policymaking departments of the National Economic and Development Authority, the Department of Science and Technology, and the Climate Change Commission. The final product of CPC would be a bill to be enacted by Congress so that our commitments to UN Framework Convention on Climate Change will have the force of law.
The proposed law should not only stipulate emissions cut by 2030 and 2050, but should also provide benchmarks and incentives for industries, schedules of renewable energy coming into stream as aging coal and diesel plants are phased out, and proactive policies to promote new technology and green growth. It will also be essential for this law to mobilize public and private financial resources to cut emissions without undermining the country’s economic growth.
(The author is a Commissioner of the Climate Change Commission and chair of the Advisory Board of the Climate Institute based in Washington, D.C. He served as chair of the Senate Committee on Environment for 10 years during his term as Philippine senator. He was a member of the Philippine delegation to the 20th session of the Conference of the Parties in Lima, Peru.)