UN body lauds RP efforts on climate change

MANILA, Philippines - The chief of a United Nations body who leads the negotiations for a new global climate change treaty has commended the Philippine government’s efforts on climate change.

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) executive secretary Yvo de Boer lauded the Philippine government for being “constructively involved” in the climate change negotiations and also commended President Arroyo for putting the need for climate change abatement “to the top of the political agenda.”

“You have also enhanced your greenhouse gas reduction efforts and expanded your national climate change program. These initiatives are clearly forward-looking and hugely commendable,” De Boer said in his special message for the Philippines sent through Presidential Adviser on Global Warming and Climate Change (OPACC) head Secretary Heherson Alvarez.

De Boer was in the country last September to meet with the President and seek support for the 15th Conference of Parties (COP-15) in December in Copenhagen.

The Philippine delegation to the UNFCCC, led by Alvarez, is in the thick of negotiations for a new climate change treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which is set to expire by 2012. President Arroyo is expected to attend the COP-15 where world leaders will vote for the new treaty.

De Boer had earlier said that at least $10 billion in financing is needed to assist developing countries with urgent adaptation actions that will include tangible technology cooperation and assistance for capacity-building, and actions to reduce emissions from deforestation.

Meanwhile, the national observance of Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week began with the opening of the Materials Recovery Facility Best Practices Exhibit at SM City North Edsa Food Court in Quezon City.

The weeklong celebration is spearheaded by the OPACC and the 17 Task Groups of the Presidential Task Force on Climate Change (PTFCCC).

Alvarez said that the exhibit is aimed at informing the public that the improper disposal of garbage creates methane, a lethal greenhouse gas, that causes global warming.

The exhibit, which runs until Nov. 25, will feature the proper setting up of an materials recovery facility, composting of biodegradable wastes into organic fertilizers, the different useful byproducts from garbage such as bags and hats from tetra packs, bricks and tiles from shredded styrofoam and plastics, and other information on proper waste management.