Philippines, New Zealand hope for binding climate agreement

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines and New Zealand look forward to a binding climate deal during the meeting of parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change next month in Paris, France.

President Aquino and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key tackled the matter during their bilateral meeting yesterday on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Manila.

“The two leaders expressed their shared hopes that a universal and binding climate change agreement will be reached during the COP (Conference of Parties) 21 meeting in Paris,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.

World leaders will meet in Paris from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 to discuss ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to below two degrees Celsius.

Extreme weather conditions and disasters have been blamed on climate change, which in turn has largely been attributed to emissions.

Some skeptics, however, question the link between human activities and changes in climate pattern, saying there is no scientific consensus yet on the matter.

Another stumbling block to a binding climate deal is the hesitation of some countries, particularly those heavily dependent on coal, to commit to emission reduction targets.

Aquino thanked Key for New Zealand’s support for the Philippines’ disaster risk reduction and management efforts, including contributions to the Philippine Red Cross and Project Rebuild, a capacity-building program for cities and municipalities.

He also informed Key that the Philippines is eyeing stronger economic ties with New Zealand.

He said the Philippines wishes to expand cooperation in the areas of electronics and electrical equipment, automotive parts, information technology, business process management, engineering services, infrastructure and public-private partnership projects.

“As we look forward to the 50th anniversary of the Philippines-New Zealand diplomatic relations, we are happy to note that our relations have grown even stronger as we foster greater people-to-people interaction and economic ties,” Aquino said.