Legarda: 'Responsibility to act is ours' on climate action

As the United Nations (UN) marks its 80th anniversary, Senator Loren Legarda reaffirmed her commitment to climate action, disaster resilience, and sustainability, urging global cooperation in addressing pressing environmental challenges.

“For 80 years, the UN has been the anchor of global solidarity, a platform where humanity’s collective voice gains strength. As we celebrate this milestone, the global community must continue to work together in building a world that is just, resilient, and sustainable,” Legarda stated.

A long-time advocate for environmental policies, Legarda has played a key role in aligning Philippine legislation with UN environmental goals. She has championed landmark laws such as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, the Climate Change Act of 2009, and the People’s Survival Fund Act of 2012, which provides financing for climate adaptation projects in vulnerable communities.

“The Philippines is among the most climate-vulnerable nations in the world, and we have no choice but to lead. Our survival depends on our ability to innovate, legislate, and work with the global community,” she added.

Climate resilience advocate

Legarda has played a significant role in shaping international climate policies, including advocating for disaster risk reduction frameworks such as the Hyogo Framework for Action and the Sendai Framework. Her work has earned her global recognition, including being named a UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Global 500 Laureate and Global Champion for Resilience by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).

Beyond policymaking, Legarda has championed climate diplomacy. In 2015, she joined French President François Hollande and actress Marion Cotillard in delivering the Manila Call to Action on Climate Change, a move that contributed to the adoption of the Paris Agreement at COP21.

Under the 2024 General Appropriations Act, Legarda secured funding for the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to support preparations for the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, a key international gathering for ocean sustainability.

Recognizing the intersection of climate and cultural preservation, Legarda has also collaborated with UNESCO to protect heritage sites from climate threats. She has actively pushed for sustainable education, leading to the establishment of the Southeast Asian Center for Lifelong Learning for Sustainable Development (SEA CLLSD).

As the UN enters its ninth decade, Legarda calls on nations to reinforce their commitment to multilateral action, stressing that climate change and disaster resilience must remain global priorities.

“The UN has provided the platform, but the responsibility to act is ours. For the sake of our survival and the generations yet to come, we must rise to the challenge by legislating with courage and governing with vision,” she concluded.