RP pushes global warming resolution at UN forum

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is pushing a draft resolution in the United Nations aimed at increasing awareness on global warming that offi cials said is key in successfully combating climate change.

Presidential Adviser on Global Warming and Climate Change Heherson Alvarez submitted the other day before the UN Leadership Forum on Climate Change in New York a draft resolution “Declaring Nov. 19-25 and Every Year Thereafter as Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week.”

“We call upon all States to increase awareness on the global crisis of climate change by declaring a Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week. We enjoin every country, and the public and private sectors, to observe this important event in liaison with the UN family of agencies and regional offices in all countries,” the draft declaration said.

President Arroyo has asked Alvarez to attend on her behalf the forum that is part of the activities of the 64th UN General Assembly in New York.

“The global nature of climate change calls for the widest possible cooperation by all countries and the participation of the public and private sector is an effective and appropriate international response, in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities relevant to respective capabilities and their social and economic conditions,” Alvarez said.

Locally, the Philippines has embarked on a voluntary emission program.

Speaking at the forum, Alvarez assured the body that the Philippines is supportive of UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon’s efforts and is “doing our part by taking strong leadership in the negotiations for a common stand, especially from our neighbors in the ASEAN, in the fi ght against climate change.”

He was referring to the on-going negotiations for a new climate change protocol by December 2009 at the “conference of parties” in Copenhagen under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

“The Philippines submitted interventions that call for deep and early cuts of emissions by industrialized countries of more than 30 percent from 2013 and 2017, more than 50 percent from 2018 to 2022, and at least 95 percent by 2050, all from 1990 levels,” Alvarez said.

He said the country’s submission drew the support of the ASEAN as well as UNFCCC officials.

The UNFCCC has 15 more days to come up with an agreement. Delegates are set to meet in Bangkok, Thailand from Sept. 28 to Oct. 9, and again in Barcelona, Spain from Nov. 2 to 6.