MANILA: The Climate Change Commission (CCC) noted that students play a vital role in the country’s fight against climate change and the promotion of gender equality.
In a news release on Wednesday, the CCC said the wide-ranging impacts of climate change, including rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, sea level rise, and disruptions to ecosystems and biodiversity, affect people of all ages and shape the future global scenario.
In a forum at the Philippine Women’s University (PWU) aimed to inspire youth participation in addressing climate change and advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the CCC emphasized the urgency of climate action, manifested by severe storms, monsoons, and extreme flooding affecting Metro Manila and surrounding provinces.
CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera emphasized the importance of science-driven solutions in combating the global crisis.
‘Solutions are only sustainable when anchored in consultation, research, and, in the case of climate
change, the best available science,’ she said.
Discussed during the forum included the main drivers of climate change, its impacts, and sustainable solutions.
‘These discussions are vital in educating students to understand a rapidly changing world and equipping them to develop innovative strategies to combat climate change,’ Herrera said.
Herrera also cited data from the World Risk Report, highlighting that extreme natural events disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including women.
‘Climate change disproportionately affects women and girls. These groups bear a much heavier burden, as they often face greater risks and responsibilities in dealing with its consequences,’ she explained.
CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert Borje, meanwhile, noted that collective effort and a strong commitment to informed action are vital in the fight against climate change.
He added that the challenges posed by this global phenomenon call for immediate action and the implementation of sustainable pra
ctices.
‘By harnessing data-driven approaches, we can pave the way for sustainable solutions that benefit both our planet and future generations,’ Borje said.
Source: Philippines News Agency