MANILA, Mar 11 (NNN-PNA) – The Philippines decided to pursue “practical and localised” projects of climate action, blaming the U.S. and other industrialised nations for failing to keep their promises of climate financing made years ago, its Department of Finance said yesterday.
“The Western countries that polluted and continue to pollute the planet the most, for the last 170 years, are not fulfilling their commitment… We are disappointed that the highly industrialised nations are taking their time, splitting hairs, theorising endlessly, while the planet burns,” Finance Secretary, Carlos Dominguez, said.
The industrialised economies promised 100 billion U.S. dollars annually in financing, to support developing countries’ mitigation efforts on climate changes, but the amount was never delivered in full.
As the official representative of President Duterte to the Climate Change Commission, said Dominguez, with the climate financing remaining unavailable and inaccessible, developing countries, like the Philippines, should now prepare to undertake mitigation measures on their own.
He underscored the urgency of addressing the worsening climate crisis, saying, the Philippines cannot wait for the industrial nations to recognise the urgent situation.
“We are determined to move ahead on our own, if necessary. We will take action now. We owe that to the Filipino people,” Dominguez said.
He added, the Philippines is among the most vulnerable to the ill effects of climate changes. It has taken steps to encourage public and private investments in green projects. The country has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent in 2030.– NNN-PNA