Marcos tells world to act fast vs climate change

UNITED NATIONS: President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) called on all nations to launch a unified and immediate response against climate change.

“Climate change is the greatest threat affecting our nations and peoples. There is no other problem so global in nature that it requires a united effort, one led by the United Nations,” Marcos said during his address at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly here.

Marcos lamented that further inaction would result in the extreme suffering of “least responsible” smaller nations such as the Philippines.

“The effects of climate change are uneven and reflect a historical injustice: Those who are least responsible suffer the most. The Philippines, for example, is a net carbon sink, we absorb more carbon dioxide than we emit. And yet, we are the fourth most vulnerable country to climate change,” he said.

“This injustice must be corrected, and those who need to do more must act now. We accept our share of responsibility and will continue to do our part to avert this collective disaster,” Marcos added.

Marcos urged big economies to lead by example.

“We call on industrialized countries to immediately fulfill their obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement to cut their greenhouse gas emissions, provide climate financing and technology transfer for adaptation for the most vulnerable and developing countries to lead by example,” he said.

“When future generations look back, let them not ask why we did not take this opportunity to turn the tide, why did we continue in our profligate ways, until it was too late? This threat knows no borders, no social class, nor any geopolitical considerations. How we address it will be the true test of our time,” Marcos added.

Marcos said he is looking forward to attending COP27, the 27th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, at the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on November 6 to 18.

The Climate Change Commission data said natural disasters in the Philippines caused P506 billion in economic losses during the past decade alone.

A new study recently released by UN climate experts warned of a catastrophic climate change by 2025 if carbon emission levels remain unchanged.

Effect on labor

In a related development, Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople has called for more study on the impact of climate change on labor migration and on workers around the world.

“The Philippines is sadly very familiar with the effects of climate change and how it results in the displacement of people,” Ople said during bilateral talks with International Organization on Migration Director-General Antonio Vitorino in New York City.

“We are also aware of the need to enhance multi-sectoral, multi-agency, and multi-country partnerships to mitigate the negative effects of climate change on migrant workers and communities,” she added.

Ople was joined in the event by United Nations Permanent Representative Antonio Manuel Lagdameo Sr. and Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations Carlos Sorreta.