The Climate Change Commission is rallying for the public to help the government in promoting a climate change-resilient Philippines with this year's observance of the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week, which is set to begin on 19 November.
This year's observance of the climate consciousness week with the theme "Bayanihan Para sa Klima: Bagong Bansang Matatag" in the country, particularly aims to gather collective actions for climate commitments by encouraging the public to understand climate change and to take part in taking appropriate action.
This event will also serve as a reiteration of the country's dedication to international agreements on climate change adaptation.
The CCC calls for more scaled-up efforts across sectors to achieve the country's ambitious climate goals.
During the soft-launching of the event earlier this week, Secretary Robert E.A Borje, the CCC vice chair and executive director, called on the public to rally behind the government's efforts to provide people with sufficient knowledge and awareness about the impacts of climate change.
Proclamation No. 1667, dated 18 November 2008, designates the annual observance of the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week every 19 to 22 November, which targets "to raise awareness about global warming and climate change" through comprehensive public information and educational campaigns.
Borje said the proclamation also urges all government agencies, offices, and entities to collaborate with the private sector and liaise with the United Nations in conducting relevant activities during this week.
He said climate change "is no longer just a concept but a reality many people are living through."
"Thus it's important for us to mainstream climate change. It's one thing to hear about it but it's another to fully understand the phenomenon but its impacts and most importantly what we need to solve it," he added.
This year's observance highlights the CCC's program to boost climate change and global warming-responsive adaptation in the Philippines.
Marking the commencement of the CCC week, a tree-planting event is set to be conducted at the Caliraya-Lumot Watershed in Paete, Laguna on 19 November under the commission's Net Zero Challenge.
The NZC targets carbon offsetting through nature-based solutions and serves as the CCC's pioneering program to turn key policy tools into tangible actions, further aiding in disaster risk reduction by stabilizing slopes and reducing the likelihood of landslides and flash floods.
The commission will also hold a Climate Investment Forum 2023 with the theme "Amplifying Action through Sustained Collaboration."
CCC explained that the forum aims to inform stakeholders about the country's climate change investment strategies aligned with national policies addressing climate change risks.
It will also showcase the government-led investments across vital sectors, combined with private sector initiatives, to foster a united approach for achieving an upper-middle income, low-carbon, climate-smart Philippines.
This will be followed by the conduct of "Accelerating Climate Action and Transformation for Local Communities Forum" which will as the best platform for the local government units to exchange information and best practices, as well as collaboratively develop climate change action plans.
To further boost climate change and global warming awareness, the CCC will hold a Business Climate Ambition Roundtable Discussion, involving pioneering business leaders who advocate for "corporate net zero" and "business unusual" frameworks— emphasizing ambitious climate action, business resilience, and stakeholder prosperity.
These leaders are expected to present their trailblazing efforts towards the country's climate goals as well as to highlight transparency, accountability, and the essential synergy between government and private sector in forming supportive climate policies.
The CCC also tapped renowned artists and sustainability experts to discuss the interplay of art, nature, and climate change. This aims to emphasize the art's essence as a catalyst for climate awareness.
This will be accompanied by a photo exhibit to promote "the harmony of art and environmental consciousness" and spotlight the urgent need for climate action through a diverse collection of artworks and accompanying narratives.
A panel of technical experts will also launch the five policy briefs addressing sea level rise, flooding, water and human security, and climate change impacts on health. In a forum, these experts will highlight climate projections for the Philippines, share best practices and technological advances, and facilitate discussions among the government, scientists, and the public to pinpoint and act on climate change challenges.
The CCC likewise aims to highlight the essential role of faith in climate solutions, the event will reflect on religious teachings and their impact on environmental stewardship through an interfaith dialogue.
This year's CCC week will serve as a platform to discuss policy solutions for addressing climate change and highlight both local and global mitigation strategies.