‘Delaying tactics’ on climate change agenda hit

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has criticized what it described as “delaying tactics” by several key nations that hampered the work of the United Nations for the mandated global climate change agenda, and called for action that would benefit vulnerable countries.

Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert Borje said key issues like financing for climate loss and damage and improved modalities to access technology and build capacities did not gain further traction despite previous pronouncements of commitments by parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

“While key stakeholders engage in dismaying delaying tactics disguised as discussions, we are undermining global trust in multilateralism and eroding the confidence of our people and the youth in the work that we do,” Borje said during the closing plenary of the 56th Session of Subsidiary Bodies (SB56) of the UNFCCC in Bonn, Germany yesterday.

The Climate Change Commission noted that SB56 was envisioned to conclude with decision points ready for adoption and implementation in the next session of the Conference of Parties to the UNFCCC, particularly on funding support to address, avert and minimize climate loss and damage to developing and vulnerable nations.

Borje expressed concern over the effect of the inaction on global trust in the work on climate change and called for more “concrete results.” He also cited the need to “unlock” climate finance for the developing world and developing nations.

“We must be open, transparent and accountable to this process, ramp up not just plans and processes but adaptation and mitigation actions – up to the smallest unit of governance,” the climate change commission chief said.

“We cannot fail our world. Climate justice demands this from all of us. For those who are most responsible for climate change, you have to do more,” he added.

Borje said the Philippines remains committed to engage all parties and called on nations to anchor their work and actions on climate justice in the lead up to the 27th session of COP to be held November in Egypt.

During the opening session of SB56 last Friday, National Economic and Development Authority Undersecretary Mercedita Sombilla, who delivered the Philippines’ statement, called on the international community to “transform theories and rhetoric into practical and pragmatic solutions applicable to the smallest, isolated, and disadvantaged communities to achieve holistic and sustainable development.”

Last April, President Duterte said industrialized countries should pay for the damage caused by their carbon emissions as poorer nations like the Philippines are suffering from the impact of climate change.