The Climate Change Commission (CCC) proudly announces the upcoming 16th Annual Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week, commencing on November 19, 2023. This year’s theme, “Bayanihan Para sa Klima: Bagong Bansang Matatag,” emphasizes community collaboration as one nation, underscores the importance of collective action for climate commitments, reiterates the country’s dedication to international agreements, and calls for significantly scaled-up efforts across sectors to achieve ambitious climate goals.
Pres. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., CCC chairperson, is expected to grace the opening ceremonies on November 20, 2023 at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in Quezon City.
Proclamation No. 1667 dated November 18, 2008 designates November 19-25 annually as “Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week.” Its goal is to raise awareness about global warming and climate change through comprehensive public information and educational campaigns. The proclamation urges all government agencies, offices, and entities to collaborate with the private sector and liaise with the United Nations in conducting relevant activities.
Key Events Highlights:
- Net Zero Challenge. After its successful launch in July 2023, a tree-planting event in Paete, Laguna on November 19, 2023, marks the beginning of this year’s CCC Week, targeting carbon offset through nature-based solutions at the Caliraya-Lumot Watershed. The NZC serves as the CCC’s pioneering program to turn key policy tools into tangible actions, further aiding in disaster risk reduction by stabilizing slopes and reducing the likelihood of landslides and flash floods.
- Climate Investment Forum 2023: Amplifying Action through Sustained Collaboration. The forum aims to inform stakeholders about the country’s climate change investment strategies aligned with national policies addressing climate change risks. It showcases government-led investments across vital sectors, combined with private sector initiatives, to foster a united approach for achieving an upper-middle income, low-carbon, climate-smart Philippines, emphasizing collaboration areas in line with the government’s climate action priorities.
- ACT Local (Accelerating Climate action and Transformation for Local Communities) Forum. The forums serves as a platform for LGUs to exchange information and best practices, as well as collaboratively develop climate action plans. Coinciding with the forum, documentaries on local adaptation practices will be launched. This hybrid event will have limited in-person participants, but will be covered by mainstream media and streamed on the CCC’s social media platforms.
- CEO Roundtable Discussion. The CCC collaborates with pioneering business leaders who advocate for “corporate net zero” and “business unusual” frameworks, emphasizing ambitious climate action, business resilience, and stakeholder prosperity. The CEO Circle, a moderated discussion, showcases these leaders and their trailblazing efforts towards the country’s climate goals, highlighting transparency, accountability, and the essential synergy between government and private sector in forming supportive climate policies. Concluding the hour-long discussion is the formation of the CEO Climate Action Circle, a commitment to ambitious, science-based climate action, inspiring businesses to adopt similar sustainable frameworks, with the event broadcasted live on CCC’s digital platforms.
- Photo Exhibit: Stories of Resilience: The exhibit harmoniously combines art and environmental consciousness, spotlighting the urgent need for climate action through a diverse collection of artworks and accompanying narratives. Renowned artists and sustainability experts will discuss the interplay of art, nature, and climate change, emphasizing art’s role as a catalyst for climate awareness. Throughout the event, attendees can engage with interactive eco-zones and artistic performances, culminating in a compelling call to adopt sustainable, climate-conscious practices
- National Panel of Technical Experts’ Forum. The forum will unveil five policy briefs addressing sea level rise, flooding, water and human security, climate change impacts on health. It aims to foster knowledge sharing, generate innovative solutions, and promote informed decision-making across local to global scales. The forum will highlight climate projections for the Philippines, share best practices and technological advances, and facilitate discussions among the government, scientists, and the public to pinpoint and act on climate change challenges.
- Inter-Faith Dialogue. Highlighting the essential role of faith in climate solutions, the event will reflect on religious teachings and their impact on environmental stewardship. The religious community inspires citizens to combat climate issues, with the dialogue emphasizing the role of faith in climate action, especially in addressing losses like the aftermath of super-typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. This dialogue also aims to empower religious leaders with stories, challenges, and best practices from various sectors.
- ClimaTalks: Youth in Climate Action. A youth- and planet-focused event that will contribute recommendations to COP28 and emphasize the pivotal role of the youth by sharing of insights and the development of innovative ideas through breakout sessions on food security, ecosystem and biodiversity, and stakeholder engagement. This is in line with celebration of the National Day for Youth in Climate Action and the ASEAN Youth in Climate Action and Disaster Resilience Day on 25 November.
In accordance with Proclamation No. 1667, the CCC organizes annual week-long activities. These events aim to foster collaboration among various stakeholders, accelerating progress in both adapting to climate change impacts and reducing global emissions. Additionally, they offer a platform to discuss policy solutions for addressing climate change and highlight both local and global mitigation strategies. ###