Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — As the world celebrates International Earth Day on Friday (April 22), more than 160 countries are set to sign the Paris Agreement in New York City.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje will sign the deal on behalf of the Philippines.
Paje described the agreement as a victory for the country, which he said has been actively involved in the global fight against climate change.
Signing the deal signifies the Philippines’ commitment in curbing carbon dioxide and other green house gas emissions by 70 percent come 2030.
Related: Officials from around the world reach climate change draft agreement
The Paris Agreement was negotiated at the United Nation’s (UN) COP21 last December, when 196 countries agreed to maintain the average global temperature lower than 2 degrees Celsius, and to aim for 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The agreement will be enacted after 55 countries that account for at least 55 percent of global emissions have submitted their instruments of ratification.
The Philippines had already submitted its first plan to actualize the country’s pledge to fight climate change.
According to Paje, this includes “greater use of cleaner and renewable energy, improved mass transport services, more efficient waste management, reforestation and forest protection, and co-firing biomass.”
Related: COP21: Building resilient cities
Paje said the Philippines is already performing its environmental commitments through efforts such as the government’s reforestation program.
The environment department also encourages individuals to do their part in fighting climate change by reducing waste, recycling, and conserving energy.
“It’s actually difficult to attain the 70 percent reduction, given the poverty situation [in the Philippines],” said Michelle Go, DENR Assistant Secretary for Planning. “But if we are not ambitious at this point, when will we reach our goal?”
The Paris Agreement will be signed at around 10 a.m. EST (10 p.m. PHT) at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Related: Failure of COP21 will be destructive for Philippines, Legarda warns
