20 November 2024 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and national government agencies kicked off the 17th Annual Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week (CCC Week), running from November 19 to 25, 2024. With the theme “Aksyon at Adaptasyon ng Makabagong Henerasyon,” this year’s observance urges all Filipinos to embrace bold, adaptive strategies that prioritize community engagement, resilience, and sustainability in addressing the climate crisis.
The Department of Agriculture (DA), through its Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA), opened the week with a photo exhibit showcasing inspiring stories from AMIA villages and CREATEs (Climate Resilient Agriculture Technologies) that adopt climate-resilient agricultural practices.
DA Undersecretary Roger V. Navarro underscored President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s emphasis on addressing climate change impacts, particularly in agriculture. He stressed DA’s commitment to regenerative agriculture, soil rejuvenation, and building a climate-resilient future. He urged all sectors to integrate climate action into their programs.
Meanwhile, the Department of Finance (DOF) has been leading efforts to secure increased climate finance. At the on-going 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, the DOF has pushed for scaled-up climate finance flows of up to USD1.3 trillion per year for vulnerable nations, particularly in light of the successive typhoons that hit the country the past months.
The Environment Management Bureau (EMB ) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) joined the CCC in this year’s commemoration. Regional and provincial offices of the DENR led initiatives such as tree growing and item distribution for mangrove maintenance. The Coast Guard District in Bohol also contributed with a coastal cleanup event in Albay.
Civil society organizations such as Save Philippine Seas and academic institutions including the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) and Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), are also participating in the CCC Week celebration. EVSU’s Department of Natural Sciences has organized a Science Film Festival to educate and inspire climate action.
“The work ahead of us remains challenging, but together, multiple stakeholders can make a difference,” Secretary Robert Borje, CCC Vice Chair and Executive Director, remarked. “This week will pave a path towards a stronger and transformative climate action and adaptation.”
The CCC Week activities include the 2nd Net Zero Challenge and a high-level discussion on “Intersections between the Law of the Sea and International Environmental Law,” featuring Judge Tomas Heidar, President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).
The week-long commemoration will culminate with the 2nd Philippine Resilience Awards Ceremony and the Partners’ Solidarity Night.
Proclamation No. 1667, signed in 2008, designates November 19 to 25 as “Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week.” This annual observance aims to raise awareness of climate change and encourage partnerships across all sectors to develop innovative solutions to the climate crisis.
For more information about this year’s CCC Week, visit https://cccweek.climate.gov.ph/.