First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos has called for strengthened global cooperation to mitigate the impacts of climate change, as she stressed the need to step up action to avoid serious human and economic loss.
“Climate change is not just about statistics. It has a human face, a face that belongs to millions of families suffering the consequences of a crisis that they did not create,” Araneta-Marcos said in a main address for the Climate Adaptability and Energy Forum during the World Governments Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday.
“The unfortunate truth, however, is that no country can solve this crisis alone. We need global solidarity. The time to act is now. Let’s please harness innovation and collaborate across borders to develop real lasting solutions,” she added.
Araneta-Marcos said the Philippine government, led by her husband President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., is “deeply committed” to addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
She noted that the Marcos administration is working toward a 75-percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, as part of its bid for a broader social economic transformation.
She added that a National Adaptation Plan has also been launched to strengthen the resilience of Philippine communities, particularly in infrastructure and energy.
Araneta-Marcos said the government is putting premium on addressing climate change, considering that the Philippines is the “most vulnerable nations to climate change” and “most at risk country in the world.”
She cited that 30 million Filipinos were affected by the unprecedented six tropical cyclones that hit the country in less than a month between October and November 2024.
“Let us share our best practices and technologies to ensure a just energy transition. And lastly, let us please empower future generations with the knowledge and tools to tackle climate challenges head on,” Araneta-Marcos said.
“I think we must all do our part and we must do it together. Let’s not wait for another crisis to force us into action, the time to act is now,” she added. (PNA)
