The Philippines` contribution to the positive outcome of COP21 and the Philippine government`s eventual ratification of the Paris Agreement were the result of the invaluable and collective efforts of the country`s climate advocates: Senator Loren Legarda, chairman of the Senate`s Climate Change Oversight Committee, whose commitment to environmental protection and climate change is known locally and internationally. , the Climate Commission, which has committed itself to its mandate, and the many climate advocates within civil society. We also recognize the commitment of past and present governments to combat climate change. Local politicians met with Duterte to share their support for the agreement and activists made public statements asking him to reconsider the issue. As Secretary of State, John Kerry also reportedly talked to him about maintaining the agreement and its benefits to the country`s economy. Duterte changed his mind and signed a document in late February warning of the country`s ratification of the agreement. The adoption of the resolution by the Senate formalized it. The total number of countries ratified now stands at 136 of the 197 members of the Convention on Climate Change. However, with the support of the country`s top Senate supporters and cabinet consultation, Duterte reversed his previous position and signed the Paris Agreement. It is an acknowledgement of the many dangers that the effects of climate change pose to the Philippines and many other vulnerable nations. Many countries that emit the least carbon will bear the main burden.

That is why the Philippines and other nations have created the Climate Vulnerable Forum for cooperation in the fight against climate change and the transition to 100% renewable energy. It was an enigmatic statement for climate experts. The Philippines is not a major polluter of greenhouse gases and the commitment to reduce emissions by 70% from normal levels by 2030 is considered achievable. These include slowing down deforestation in the tropics and switching to renewable energy. While the nation relies primarily on coal and natural gas for electricity, it has an abundance of wind and geothermal resources. Under the agreement, the nation would obtain the financial resources to make this transition and clean up itself against extreme weather. In addition, the philippine Energy Plan (PEP) project provides for a much greater use of solar energy than the “National Renewable Energy Program.” A number of reforms are under way to create a more competitive electricity market that favours renewable energy. The introduction of new rules on the renewable energy market, under which renewable energy will be auctioned, and a deforestation clause allowing distribution companies to reduce electricity generation from coal, will pave the way for domestic competition. Minister De Guzman also said that the Philippines would continue to engage in the concerns of developing countries: financial resources will be allocated, including for technological development, transfer and dissemination, as well as capacity building; Developed countries have clear programmes for implementation; Clarity and acceptance of the timetable for programmes to enable developing countries such as the Philippines to build national capacity to avoid future greenhouse gas (GHG) production and to survive the worsening effects of climate change through proactive adaptation.