PAETE, Laguna (PIA) – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has launched a program on Thursday that engages communities to help reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The program dubbed Net Zero Challenge (NZC), which was unveiled at the Caliraya-Lumot watershed, aims to significantly offset carbon emissions and create a sustainable future by engaging individuals, communities, and organizations in tree-planting activities.

"We all have a carbon footprint, whether as individuals or organizations. It is important that we find ways to reduce this carbon footprint and lower our greenhouse gas emissions. Planting and growing trees is the easiest, most effective, and impactful method to achieve this," said CCC Vice Chairperson, Executive Director Secretary Robert Borje.

Borje emphasized the importance of regenerative forestry in combating climate change as trees play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide and making communities more resilient, particularly in times of extreme weather events such as typhoons.

During the launch on August 24, over 200 seedlings were planted in the watershed as part of the overarching goal of planting 15,625 seedlings across 25 hectares of land from 2023 to 2027.

Monitoring and evaluation will continue until 2030, three years after the last batch of seedlings planted. By then, the country will assess if it has achieved the 75% greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction and avoidance target as part of the Philippines' commitment to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

Another way to fight climate change, according to CCC is global partnership and engagement with local civil society organizations.

Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Philippines Ahmed Bin Saad N.A. Al-Homidi and Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Manila First Secretary Obaid Al Shehhi also graced the event and pledges their respective countries efforts to the environmental cause.

According to Sec. Borje, negotiations have begun with partner countries which will help the Philippines have access to technical capabilities to be used for scientific approach in combating climate change.

“We are working very closely with them on options and cooperation. What we’re working on right now is we have draft memorandum of understanding with UAE on technical cooperation in climate change pero it’s still under negotiations. What we want is work closely with partners.”

“They do have the resources and the technical know-how. Magaling sila sa measurement, magaling sila sa monitoring nitong greenhouse gas emissions. May teknolohiya sila doon at yun ang gusto nating i-leverage because we want to work very closely with our partners at importante talaga ang partnership with the international community,” he added.

Mayor Ronald Cosico of Paete expressed gratitude for being chosen as the site for this massive reforestation project. He called for urgent action against climate change and appealed to his constituents to support the Net Zero Challenge.

"We can no longer ignore climate change; it is already here. Paete is fortunate to have been selected as the launch site for the Net Zero Challenge of the Climate Change Commission. Let us all take care of and help nurture our resources and mountains to make them grow,” Cosico added.

Paete resident Julienn Adea Banaag recognized the importance of tree planting noting that the Sierra Madre mountain range has long protected the town against extreme weather conditions.

"Everyone experiences climate change. Paete is fortunate to have the Sierra Madre, which has saved and protected us numerous times. We are grateful for projects like this. It is a significant help and can make a big impact. Some may think that planting trees is a simple act, but its impact is substantial and meaningful," she said.

In crafting policies and programs, the CCC emphasizes the importance of considering the needs and issues of each community since climate change affects everyone differently.

Globally, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report of 2021 states that the world is now experiencing 'code red' for human-driven global heating, and irreversible changes to Earth's climate system have already occurred.

"We should be alarmed. When you say 'code red,' it means lives, livelihoods, and the future are at stake. It requires not just awareness but urgent and rapid action against climate change. This is why we have framed the Net Zero Challenge in this manner, to help people understand that we need to do everything we can. We all have a part to play in addressing climate change," explained Secretary Borje.

In the Philippines, the CCC observes that the average temperature is setting new records, sea levels are rising, and storms are becoming more intense.

"The impact of climate change transcends borders. Therefore, the challenge is to develop an integrated and coordinated approach. Let's not wait until it reaches code black. We should do everything we can to prevent further effects of climate change. We must prioritize this issue, not just by planting trees, but also through other sustainable practices such as zero-waste management. It all comes down to being responsible consumers and human beings," Borje added. (CH/PIA-Laguna)