PH urges immediate climate action at SB60

BONN, Germany – The Philippines has called for urgent and transformative climate action during the 60th Sessions of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI).

“We are now at a point of no return,” declared Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of the Climate Change Commission, and Co-Head of the Philippine Delegation. He stressed the need for stronger and sustained momentum in climate action, grounded in science, evidence, and indigenous knowledge.

Climate change has become integral to national policies in the Philippines, influencing planning and decision-making across all levels.

Borje urged nations to build on COP28 outcomes, including the Global Stocktake results, the UAE Global Climate Resilience Framework, and the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund.

“The Philippines expresses grave concerns over the destruction caused by extreme weather events in Asia and the Pacific, Africa, and other regions. We need to change these stories of developing countries from fragility to agility,” Borje emphasized.

The Philippines recently completed its first National Adaptation Plan (NAP), becoming the third ASEAN country and the 56th globally to do so. The country is actively working on the NDC Implementation Plan, Just Transition Work Programme, Biennial Transparency Report, Long Term Strategy, and NDC updating.

Borje called for collective action to:

– Close mitigation and adaptation gaps, and support the development and implementation of NAPs and NDCs by developing nations.

– Urgently operationalize the Loss and Damage Fund, with the Philippines ready to participate in the decision-making process.

– Implement the Just Transition Work Programme to uphold human rights, create green jobs, enhance livelihoods, and develop green and blue economies.

– Accelerate the provision, mobilization, and delivery of finance, technology, and capacity from developed to developing countries.

– Ensure transformative climate action for all vulnerable populations, including indigenous peoples, local communities, women and girls, children and youth, the elderly, and differently-abled individuals.

Borje emphasized the need for inclusive processes and universal participation to restore trust in the UNFCCC’s multilateral process.

“There is no turning back. We must forge ahead and move forward together for humanity’s sake, particularly for the most vulnerable and at-risk. Let us work together and create the results we want and need,” he said .

The Philippine delegation at SB60 includes representatives from 11 agencies, such as the Climate Change Commission, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Foreign Affairs, and others. SB60, held in Bonn from June 3 to 13, 2024, sets the stage for COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.