Phl calls for higher emission reduction pledge

Climate Change Commission (CCC) secretary Emmanuel de Guzman called on member- countries of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to pledge for bigger reduction in their respective greenhouse gas emissions.

During the opening of the UN Climate Change Conference Monday in Bonn, Germany, De Guzman said governments across the globe must set more ambitious targets in their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) to preserve the gains of the historic Paris Agreement.

He said higher emission reductions are necessary to achieve the below 1.5 degrees Celsius global temperature goal that was set in the Paris pact.

“(We) saluted the outcome at Paris because it manifested an increase in the level of ambition of our collective enterprise to fight dangerous climate change and protect the most vulnerable,” said De Guzman.

“(But) we are all aware that our current INDCs translate to an estimated three degrees of warming, or double the long-term goal. Work needs to start now if we are to have any hope of reaching our goal of 1.5 degrees Celsius,” he added.

The INDC represents the greenhouse gas emissions reduction pledges of each state member of the UNFCCC.

Last month, nearly all parties to the UNFCCC, including the Philippines, signed the Paris Agreement at the UN headquarters in New York, signifying that efforts toward the entry into force of the climate deal are underway.

The Philippine government is expected to ratify the Paris Agreement this month, according to CCC.

De Guzman said that while nations work to realize current pledges, all parties must likewise begin to update and set more ambitious contributions and take into account “the concept of equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities in light of different national circumstances.”

“We call for submission of updated INDCs – with higher targets – by 2020 at the latest, as provided for by the Paris outcomes. The long-term low emission development strategies for 2020 must also demonstrate consistency with the long-term goal,” he said.

“According to the Paris outcomes, developed countries should continue taking the lead in implementing mitigation efforts. We are counting on you to lead,” he added.

The Philippines chairs the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), a group of nations highly vulnerable to climate change. It is at the forefront of an advocacy for global efforts toward low carbon economy to limit global warming to well below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

De Guzman noted that CVF member-countries, whose contribution to global carbon emissions is “marginal,” have however shown strong leadership in mitigation efforts.

He said that the Philippines, for instance, has submitted an initial and conditional INDC with 70 percent emission reduction to the UN body, which can be attained through stronger international partnerships.

“We set the bar high,” De Guzman said. “(We) need radical follow-up on mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, finance, capacity (building) and technology to live up to the ambitions we have set for ourselves in international law. By doing so, we will survive and thrive,” he said.

The climate change conference organized by the UN will run until May 26.