Concerted multi-sector initiatives on climate change pushed

FILE: “This year’s observance seeks to go beyond awareness of climate change issues,” said CCC, which set the theme “Aligning science, policy and climate action” for this year’s observance of the occasion. (Pixabay photo)

MANILA — The government’s Climate Change Commission is pushing for a concerted multi-sectoral action to better prepare the country for the effects of global warming to mark this year’s observance of Climate Change Consciousness Week on Nov.19- 25.

“This year’s observance seeks to go beyond awareness of climate change issues,” said CCC, which set the theme “Aligning science, policy and climate action” for this year’s observance of the occasion.

Topics for discussion during the week include adaptation and mitigation, resilience-building, forecast-based assistance, and greening transition, which all aim to highlight the link between the science behind climate change and the country’s policy and action on the phenomenon.

The CCC aims to highlight multisectoral initiatives on climate change while improving social development.

Among such efforts are developing tools and systems to collate scientific data, best practices and case studies on the matter, CCC said.

The agency added that it is also reviewing the country’s National Climate Change Action Plan and helping local government units prepare their respective action plans on the matter.

Mobilizing society’s various segments as movers amid the changing climate’s threats are also part of the efforts, CCC added.

Climate change’s threats require “urgent and thoughtful participation of our citizens, as well as the collective action of private and public sectors at all levels,” notes Proclamation 1667 of 2008, which set Nov. 19-25 as the Philippines’ Climate Change Consciousness Week.

The proclamation enjoins all government units to observe the occasion by conducting relevant activities.

Experts have warned of increasing onslaught of extreme weather events, as well as sea level and temperature rise, as global warming’s threats to the Philippines, which, they say is among the most vulnerable to the global phenomenon. (PNA)