Legarda Hails Obama’s Climate Change Plan

(PNA) — Senator Loren Legarda hailed on Friday United States President Barack Obama’s plan to significantly reduce emissions from US power plants as part of his commitment to fight climate change.

Obama and the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan aims to reduce overall carbon emissions by 32 percent by the year 2030, as compared to 2005 levels.

Legarda, UN Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, said she hopes more nations, including the Philippines, will express their commitment to mitigate climate change through a clear-cut climate action plan, especially on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction.

“The US is a top GHG emitter and this Clean Power Plan is an important step towards climate action that is of global significance. This will surely affect how other nations will craft their own climate action plan, especially as we head towards the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP 21) in Paris this December,” she said.

Legarda said that the Philippines, even a very low GHG emitter with only 0.31% average global share from 1990-2010, should also shift to a low-carbon economy.

She cited a recent survey by the Pew Research Center which showed that climate change is a top concern among Filipinos, with 72% saying they are “very concerned” with the issue. In fact, the West Philippine Sea issue with China came in second place only.

“Clearly, climate change is an issue that we must address now because our citizens are already very much concerned and affected. It should be a top concern of the government as well,” Legarda said.

Legarda said dependence on fossil fuels should be decreased, hoping the government will not approve more coal-fired power plant projects.

“We can no longer turn a blind eye to climate change. It is a crisis that must be addressed now because its effects will linger until future generations,” Legarda said.

”We must all work together now because as we continue to delay action, we will never be free from the cycle of poverty and disasters that threatens not only the vulnerable sectors, but now even the richest nations,” Legarda added. (PNA) SCS/JFM