Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) – The country is now bound to implement commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions after the Senate approved on third reading Tuesday the ratification of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
The agreement aims to cap the average global temperatures to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by reducing carbon emissions.
“Our nation bears the brunt of climate change even if we are among those who contributed the least to the crisis,” said Sen. Loren Legarda, chairman of the Senate Oversight Committee on the Paris Agreement and main sponsor of the measure.
The deal would allow the country to tap the Green Climate Fund which will aid developing countries in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
President Rodrigo Duterte signed the agreement in February.
Read more: Philippines allowed access to climate fund after Duterte signs Paris Agreement
The French embassy congratulated the government for ratifiying the climate deal.
“The ratification of the Paris Agreement, which coincides with the 70th year anniversary of French-Philippine diplomatic relations, opens new perspectives for our two countries to develop and implement sustainable solutions towards a greener, more sustainable future for our planet,” the embassy said in a statement.
CNN Philippines Senior News Researcher Ella Hermonio contributed to this report.
