WITH extreme weather conditions causing disasters like floods, drought, heat waves, and landslides, it is very clear that climate change is affecting every corner of the world. In order to limit global warming to the threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius by the mid-21st century, carbon neutrality is essential. Hence, the Paris Agreement was signed by 195 countries, including the Philippines — one of the most vulnerable nations to climate change — on Dec. 12, 2015, to attain that target.

As an initial step, the Philippines has set an ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent by 2030. It is a lofty target that we hope our local lawmakers prioritize instead of spending more time deliberating on the fate of the former Bamban mayor or a pastor from the south. So, when an invitation came from NLEX Corp. to attend the Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center, we immediately said 'yes.'