Dr. Gella Patria L. Abella, Head of the Institute for Climate Change and Environmental Management (ICCEM), represented Central Luzon State University (CLSU) as one of the speakers for the Roundtable Discussion on Sustainability in Climate Action organized by the European Union (EU) Delegation to the Philippines on October 28, 2022, at Dusit Hotel, Makati.
In her presentation, Dr. Abella discussed the CLSU’s interventions on how climate change can be sustained in the Philippines. She highlighted the current best practices of CLSU in mainstreaming climate action, how the University addresses current environmental problems experienced in the Philippines, as well as the strategies and challenges of the University in sustaining Climate Action.
The event gathers environmental officers and sustainability practitioners from State Universities, non-government organizations, local governments, and the business sector in the country. It aims to provide a platform to discuss the state of play of research in the Philippines in Sustainability in Climate Action, identify how to sustain climate change actions in the Philippines, and identify ways on how the Philippines can collaborate with European Union researchers in addressing gaps and challenges in climate action.
Speaking at the forum, Dr. Renato Solidum Jr., Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, highlighted two compelling reasons to prioritize climate actions in the Philippines. First, the World Risk Report 2022 states that the Philippines ranks one out of 193 countries most at risk and exposed to natural hazards and adverse effects of climate change. Second, the recently launched Philippine Climate Change and Development Report states that 1.2% to 4.6% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) is lost annually due to the damages brought by typhoons.
“Let the climate data speak, let these reports sink in, and most importantly, let us enact strategies to build climate and disaster resilience. We need to act now collaboratively in a multilateral manner” he said.
Together with CLSU, the European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovations, Climate Change Commission (CCC), Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), University of the Cordilleras (UC), and University of San Carlos (USC), Access to Sustainable Energy Programme-Clean Energy Living Laboratories (ASEP-CELLs), EURAXESS, and UN Environment Programme Goodwill Ambassador Antoinette Taus also participated as presenters and collaborators on the forum.
Dr. Ana Isábel Sanchez-Ruiz, the European Delegation to the Philippines’ Chargé d’affaires reiterates that we need to act now on technological, nature-based, and societal-based innovations. EU continues to take steps to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency and renewable energy, efficient use of resources by moving to a clean circular economy, restore biodiversity and reduce pollution.
“Research and innovations play a crucial role in these efforts. The EU stands ready to continue its engagement with the Philippines on approaches to ensure environmentally sustainable economic activities” she stated.
Joining Dr. Abella at the said event are Dr. Elmar Villota and Engr. Adrian Chummac from the College of Engineering and Engr. Lea Caguiat from ICCEM. The forum is in line with the EU’s Climate Diplomacy week and is a post-activity for the celebrations of World Space Week.
