Makati declares state of climate change emergency

The city of Makati is set to acquire more electric vehicles and boost the use of solar panel following the declaration by Mayor Abigail Binay of a state of climate emergency as temperatures and sea levels continue to soar across the globe.

"As temperatures and sea levels continue to rise, low-lying coastal areas in cities like Makati have become more vulnerable to strong typhoons that bring floods and landslides. This will result not only in the disruption of public services but also the displacement of families and even entire communities," the mayor said during "Cafe Talk for Resilient Makati," a webinar organized by the Makati Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).

Binay said the city government will step up its initiatives to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

These include the procurement of an entire fleet of electric vehicles and using solar panels in public schools and government offices to minimize energy consumption and ensure continuity of services during calamities.

Makati has consistently addressed climate change concerns since Binay assumed office in 2016. With the declaration, the mayor said she wants to see the active involvement of the business sector, communities and other stakeholders.

"We call upon everyone to come together and act now. We must ensure aggressive application of the whole-of-society approach in combating climate change. We heard the data. We understood the science, and we are feeling its impact. Now is a crucial time to act, and we need to act fast. We need thinkers, doers, and movers," she said.

Data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) showed that there has been a 0.75 degrees Celsius increase in the country's annual temperature over the past 70 years. By 2050, the temperature increase is expected to reach as high as 1.8 degrees Celsius.

The mayor said localities should educate residents and businesses about the impacts of climate change and involve them in creating plans to make communities more climate resilient.

"The time for action is now. As the new breed of Makatizens and global citizens, it is our responsibility to take care of our city and ensure that it remains a livable place for future generations. We must promote sustainability and climate consciousness in all our actions. We must be the change we want to see in our city and the world," she added.

Since 2017, Makati has been investing in state-of-the-art disaster equipment and distributing emergency go bags and hard hats to residents, public school students, and City Hall workers to promote disaster preparedness.

Source: TheManila Times