Iloilo City joins global net-zero climate campaign

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo City government on Wednesday, Aug. 26, reaffirmed its environmental commitment by joining a global campaign to reduce carbon emissions, building on initiatives already underway in the city.

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu signed the Race to Zero Pledge with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) and Race to Net Zero Philippines.

The city government joins the Cities Race to Zero pathway, a global campaign of more than 1,000 cities committed to achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century through science-based targets and inclusive action.

The city now joins other global urban centers, including Bangkok, Thailand; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Sydney, Australia; New York City; and Quezon City.

By signing the pledge, the city government commits to recognizing the global climate emergency, helping keep global warming within the 1.5 degrees Celsius goal under the Paris Agreement, centering inclusive climate action in urban decision-making, and encouraging public and private partners to support science-based climate action.

As part of the pledge, the ECCP and Race to Net Zero Philippines also committed to assist the city government through several steps.

These include an introductory briefing for the city government; a review of existing programs on sustainability, resilience, climate, circular economy, mobility, waste, energy, and the environment; identification of priority action areas; assistance with the city’s pledge and supporting documentation; and exploration of opportunities for annual progress tracking, reporting, and partnership development.

Race to Net Zero Philippines cited the city’s aspiration to be the “Bike Capital of the Philippines” and its environmental and sanitation efforts.

“Iloilo City is already recognized as a leader in sustainability, resilience, and livability in the Philippines. Its ongoing work on green spaces, active mobility, mangrove rehabilitation, river protection, waste reduction, renewable energy, water security, and community-based environmental initiatives provides a strong foundation for joining the Cities Race to Net Zero,” the group said in its briefer for the city.

In a Facebook post, Treñas-Chu said joining the pledge forms part of her administration’s commitment to a better, zero-carbon future for the city.

“We signed the Race to Zero Pledge this afternoon with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and Race to Net Zero Philippines, affirming Iloilo City’s commitment to inclusive, measurable climate action and a healthier, fairer, more resilient, zero-carbon future,” the mayor said.

“Most importantly, we will work with our communities, businesses, schools, and partners to create cleaner air, greener streets, better mobility, stronger resilience, and a more livable Iloilo for every Ilonggo,” she added.

The broader Race to Zero campaign supports the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global temperature rise and calls for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 at the latest, alongside interim emissions-reduction targets.