A Call From President Duterte For Financial Assistance to Developing Countries

Surprisingly, President Rodrigo Duterte called on wealthy nations to fulfill their financial assistance to developing countries like the Philippines to help them bolster their defenses against the catastrophic impacts of the climate crisis.

In view of this, In a speech during the United Nations General Assembly. Duterte called for urgent climate action, especially from those that can truly tip the balance. The greatest injustice here is that those who suffer the most are those the least responsible for this existential crisis.

The developed countries must fulfill their longstanding commitment to climate financing, technology transfer, and capacity-building in the developing world. This is a moral obligation that cannot be avoided.

Along with this, Duterte made the call less than six weeks before the COP26 climate conference due to take place from October 31 to November 12 in Glasgow, Scotland. The summit is seen as critical to keeping alive the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

The 2015 Paris Agreement called for financing of $100 billion a year from 2020 to 2025 to assist countries hardest-hit by climate change. The assistance includes supporting countries transitioning to greener economies and ending reliance on fossil fuels. Duterte also told world leaders that the Philippines accepts its share of responsibility and will do its part to avert this collective disaster.

The country committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 75% in 2030. But only 2.71% of the target is unconditional, which means it will be undertaken without international funding and assistance

Guerrero also urged the government to abandon their nuclear ambitions as pursuing nuclear energy contradicts all of his calls for climate justice, equality, inclusive green economy and the protection of people.

Morever, Instead of pursuing nuclear and fossil gas, the government must focus its efforts in ensuring that the right policies are in place to enable this massive uptake of renewable energy. Along with this, The government must call for accountability from fossil fuel companies.