Addressing climate change is a shared responsibility

Climate change is an issue that no one should take for granted. And addressing it requires collaborative efforts from all stakeholders. It is a shared responsibility. With the Philippines considered the riskiest among 193 countries in the last two World Risk Index reports because of its “low level of prevention and preparedness” and with 18 provinces listed as highly exposed to climate change, it is incumbent upon all stakeholders — the national government, the local government units (LGUS), the private sector, and every citizen — to act immediately and address this situation decisively.

The state of the country and the 18 high-risk provinces was disclosed in the recently held State of Climate Change Forum in Makati City. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reported that in its National Adaptation Plan (NAP) drawn up last year, the 18 provinces with “high exposure” to climate change — heat, extreme rainfall, and flooding — are Albay, Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Capiz, Cebu, Eastern Samar, Iloilo, Leyte, Masbate, Negros Occidental, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon, Samar, Sorsogon, and Zamboanga del Sur.

With this revelation, it is necessary for all stakeholders to contribute their share in mitigating the effects of climate change, not only in the 18 provinces but in every nook and cranny of the country.

The national government should enforce robust climate policies, including setting emission reduction targets, adaptation strategies, and disaster risk management plans. It should likewise invest in climate research, monitoring, and data collection to arrive at an informed and evidence-based decision-making.

In crafting the National Expenditure Program, climate-related projects should be among the priorities in the national budget. A dedicated fund to support adaptation and mitigation efforts will be vital in addressing climate change. Equally important is collaboration with international partners to access climate finance and technology transfer.

It is necessary for relevant agencies to be equipped with knowledge and skills to implement effective climate action, while school curricula and public campaigns must integrate climate change awareness.

Local government units (LGUS) should conduct localized risk assessments to understand specific climate threats, and develop climate action plans to create and implement adaptation and resilience strategies that are fit for their localities. They should encourage their constituencies to invest in infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events and regulate development in high-risk zones like coastal areas and places prone to floods and landslides.

Private sector companies should evaluate their vulnerability to climate impacts and be able to develop adaptation strategies. It is also necessary for them to invest in green technologies, like transitioning to renewable energy sources, energyefficient practices, and sustainable supply chains.

Under their corporate social responsibility programs, private companies should support communities where they operate in terms of funding climate-related projects, disaster relief efforts, and community resilience programs.

Every citizen should be part of this effort. Each one should promote sustainable practices and be involved in climate planning, early warning systems, and disaster preparedness. Everyone should also make it a habit to reduce waste, conserve water, and minimize energy consumption.

Let us all act now. Tomorrow might be too late.