OPTIMIZING governance reforms and climate financing is essential for achieving economic, environmental, and social equity in natural resource management and climate action.
This was highlighted by experts in a breakout session during the 10th Annual Public Policy Conference (APPC).
Titled "Natural Resource Use, Climate Transition, and Social Justice," the session focused on the current state of the planet, the green transition that aims to address this global crisis, and the Philippines' unique position in the climate effort.
Selva Ramachandran, PhD, Resident Representative United Nations Development Program (UNDP), presented "The State of Climate Change and Reflections Moving Forward."
Quoting the UN Secretary-General, he emphasized that human activities are the root cause of this crisis, which also means they are the ones who can solve it.
These solutions are crucial to meet the required greenhouse gas reduction targets indicated by the Paris Agreement.
In the Philippines, the idea of a just transition is gaining traction.
Rodel Lasco, PhD, Executive Director of the Oscar M. Lopez Center, shared factors affecting climate engagement as he highlighted the dual perspectives of a scientist and a civil society leader.
Mirza Sadaqat Huda, PhD, Lead Researcher at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, reinforced Lasco's insights.
"The Philippines has more than enough alternate energy resources, particularly geothermal, hydropower, and wind. So as think tankers and academics, it is our job to get the information out on the availability of resources in the Philippines," he said.
Marian Delos Angeles, PhD, Chairman of the Board of the Resources, Environment, and Economics Center for Studies, encouraged the session's audience to view the natural world as an asset alongside the country's physical, financial and social capital.