Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — From November 30 to December 11 this year, France will be hosting the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) — an agreement among states seeking the “stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere” at a level that would prevent dangerous human impact on the climate.
Although the UNFCC has 196 signatories, COP21 will seek a legally-binding agreement that would limit global warming. It also aims to mobilize about $100 billion a year from states, international organizations, and the private sector as financial support for developing countries, beginning 2020.
In an effort to raise the level of discussion of the effects of climate change on the Philippines, the Embassy of France to the Philippines will be organizing a climate week from October 5 to 10 called COP21: The Road to Paris Starts in Manila.
French Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Laurent Legodec said that they seek to raise awareness and encourage discussion on climate change with civil society groups and nongovernmental organizations.
In particular, the event will highlight the role of civil society in addressing climate change through a series of conferences, art exhibits and performances, and a symbolic bike ride to be attended by the diplomatic corps, government officials, and civil society representatives.
Last February, French President François Hollande visited the country to launch the Manila Call to Action on Climate Change with President Benigno Aquino III.
Among other things, the two heads of state called for climate solidarity and justice, climate cooperation, and financial and technological solidarity among states, “Considering that we are reaching the point of no return on climate change…”
“The Manila appeal is for the world to be more firm between developed countries and fragile ones, between rich countries and poor ones, between generations as well. Those who had all their time to extract resources from the planet and who now have a duty – the duty to act so that their children, their grandchildren as well, can simply live on this planet,” said Hollande in a statement.
CNN Philippines’ Patricia Ongsiako contributed to this report.
