THERE has been a change in attitude from wealthy, industrialized countries with regard to policies and financing of climate change-related problems. They seem to be more receptive to the idea of investing in renewable energy, in keeping with the goals and targets set by the Paris Agreement. It took some time. In fact, the world will not meet the Paris Agreement target of preventing the global average temperature rise by 1.5 C by imposing a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions despite the doomsday forecasts of activists and environmental organizations. But it is interesting to see other opportunities and policies beyond renewables being discussed — investments in flood control engineering, better housing for the poor, imposition of land use plans, improving local government capacities to plan for disaster resilience and preparedness, better storm forecasting equipment, STEM education, and even nutrition.
Climate change adaptation is in the center of most discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Though economic cooperation is the unifying theme and ultimate reason for the participation of the world's wealthiest billionaires, there is more than a consciousness but also an acceptance of the reality of our changed world. This puts the Philippines in an interesting, or rather opportune, position as one of the countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. We have been receiving the brunt of the effects of pollution, namely the burning of fossil fuels, by our wealthy trade partners for over a decade.
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