Climate Change Commission (CCC) rolls out Net-Zero Challenge (NZC) in Paete, Laguna
Climate Change Commission (CCC) rolls out Net-Zero Challenge (NZC) in Paete, Laguna
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RENDER Editors - September 6, 2023
Last August 24th, RENDER participated in the Climate Change Commission’s (CCC) Net Zero Challenge at the Caliraya-Lumot Watershed in Paete, Laguna. Over 200 seedlings of Narra and Molave trees were planted that day, in an effort to reach the NZC’s goal of planting 15,625 seedlings across 25 hectares of land by 2027.
The NZC is anchored under the government’s carbon neutrality program, and the planted seedlings hopefully contribute towards fulfilling the PH’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 75% by 2030.
Reducing emissions of and stabilizing the levels of GHG is referred to as climate mitigation. This can be achieved either by reducing sources of these gases or by enhancing the natural “sinks” like forests and oceans that absorb and store these gases. Consequently, RENDER actively joined the pilot roll-out of the NZC, as it’s committed to advancing reforestation knowledge and emissions reduction.
Tonichi Regalado.mp4RENDER Director Tonichi Regalado speaks with PTV on the CCC’s NZC (from PTV Philippines)
The CCC is the lead policy-making body of climate change matters in the Philippines, empowering all sectors of society to embody a climate-resilient and climate-smart disposition.
Secretary Robert Borje, Executive Director of the CCC, articulated the importance of applying a multi-stakeholder approach to achieving the set goals of the NZC, creating and fostering ties to advance the climate agenda through partnership and cooperation. In line with this, the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Philippines, Ahmed Bin Saad N.A. Al-Homidi and Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Manila First Secretary Obaid Al Shehhi were present at the tree-planting event, in solidarity with the CCC and its stakeholders. The representatives pledged to uphold possible bilateral climate negotiations with the Philippines in the foreseeable future. As of August 2023, the UAE and the Philippines are negotiating an ongoing draft memorandum on technical cooperation.
Paete Mayor Ronald Cosico was also present at the event. He expressed his gratitude for the reforestation project and called on stakeholders to continue to support the Net Zero Challenge. “Paete is fortunate to have been selected as the launch site for the Net Zero Challenge of the Climate Change Commission. Let us help nurture our resources and mountains to make them grow.”
Similar to reforestation efforts at the Caliraya-Lumot watershed, the CCC emphasized the importance of applying a human-rights-based approach in considering the needs of each community in combating the impacts of climate change. One of the ways in which the CCC is applying this approach is through the advancement of local technology. The commission is in the process of negotiations with local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and global partners to address the impacts of climate change, especially in the most vulnerable communities.
"We all have a carbon footprint, whether as individuals or organizations. It is important that we find ways to reduce this carbon footprint and lower our greenhouse gas emissions. Planting and growing trees is the easiest, most effective, and impactful method to achieve this," — Secretary Borje.
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