CHIZ READY TO HELP IMPROVE LEGISLATION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

In the wake of a historic global climate change agreement reached in Paris, Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero expressed his willingness to work with policymakers for the crafting and passage of new legislation that would help the Philippines fulfill its climate change commitments.

"As chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, I am ready to facilitate the passage of new laws that would help the country meet its targets to cut its carbon emissions and adapt to the effects of climate change," Escudero said.

Escudero said he is one with the rest of the world in applauding the first universal pact to tackle climate change.

The deal, agreed at the UN talks in Paris, lays the foundation for countries to work together in trying to limit the global temperature below 1.5 degrees Celcius, well below the level of 2 degrees Celcius that is likely to signal the worst effects of climate change.

The agreement also requires developed nations to continue to provide funding to help less developed countries cut their carbon emissions and adapt to the challenges posed by the changing climate.

"The agreement is an important milestone especially for countries that are most vulnerable to climate change impacts like the Philippines. It means we are not alone in dealing with climate change because all nations, developed and less developed alike, bear some responsibility in helping poorer countries alleviate suffering caused by the single biggest environmental and humanitarian crisis of our time," Escudero said.

The Philippines has committed to reduce carbon emissions by 70 percent from 2020 to 2030, but conditional on financial aid and associated technical support being provided by developed countries.

The carbon emission reductions will be taken from the energy, transport, waste, forestry and industry sectors--the country's major sources of greenhouse gases.

The Philippines considers as priority measures for adaptation the strengthening of climate monitoring and observation; the conduct of climate and disaster risk vulnerability assessments; improving the resilience of ecosystems; and the climate-proofing of sectors like agriculture, water and health.