DENR’s Climate Action Plan
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), led by Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, has unveiled a strategic roadmap to combat the adverse effects of climate change through its robust climate action initiatives.
In an interview, Sec. Loyzaga highlighted three critical pillars in the government’s climate response framework: the Greenhouse Gas Inventory, the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDCIP), and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP). These initiatives are designed to address both mitigation and adaptation, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for the country.
1. Greenhouse Gas Inventory
The updated Greenhouse Gas Inventory serves as the foundation for the DENR’s climate action strategies. By assessing and documenting emissions across sectors, the government gains a clearer picture of the sources and scale of greenhouse gas outputs.
2. Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDCIP)
The NDCIP focuses on reducing emissions through a sector-specific approach. The primary sectors targeted include energy, transportation, agriculture, industries, and solid waste management.
“Our strategy involves addressing the way we use fuels, manage solid waste, and cultivate crops like rice, which produces significant methane emissions,” Sec. Loyzaga explained.
The NDCIP also provides a cost framework to transition towards a low-carbon future, enabling the government to prioritize investments and policies that reduce emissions while maintaining economic growth.
3. National Adaptation Plan (NAP)
The NAP addresses the impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise, intense rainfall, and stronger tropical cyclones. It identifies hazards and outlines solutions that combine natural and structural interventions with social programs to enhance resilience.
“This document highlights the measures needed to protect sectors vulnerable to climate impacts,” Sec. Loyzaga noted, emphasizing that the plan promotes a climate-resilient approach across government mandates.
4. Integrated Action and Climate-Responsive Investments
To ensure cohesive implementation, the DENR is “climate tagging” investments and aligning them with a Program Convergence Budget. These efforts integrate climate strategies into the operations of various government agencies, emphasizing collaboration and shared responsibility.
READ: DENR Geohazard Map: Unused When It Mattered Most
Through the DENR’s climate action plan, the Philippines is making significant strides in addressing the dual challenges of reducing emissions and adapting to climate impacts. With strategic planning and coordinated efforts, the nation is on the path to building a sustainable and resilient future for all.
