DENR and Loyzaga to Head Philippine Team for COP29 in Azerbaijan

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) is set to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11 to November 22, and it comes at a critical juncture for global climate action. In recognition of the urgency of this moment, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) emphasized the need to address significant gaps in climate financing. Leading the charge for the Philippines is DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, who will spearhead the nation’s delegation at the conference.

As the world grapples with the escalating climate crisis, Loyzaga expressed a measured but hopeful outlook. Her approach is rooted in the need to uphold previous commitments while also seeking to foster new agreements. A central objective at COP29 is to establish a renewed global climate finance target for the post-2025 era, building upon the current pledge of $100 billion annually. This commitment is vital for countries, especially those in the Asia-Pacific region, characterized by numerous vulnerable island communities, including the Philippines.

“Countries that are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as ours, face restricted fiscal opportunities,” Loyzaga stated. “This underscores the necessity for urgent access to cutting-edge scientific data, coupled with innovative and suitable financial support from both public and private domains.”

The Philippines approaches COP29 with a holistic strategy, intricately linking the goals of the Paris Agreement with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the ongoing discussions surrounding the Plastics Treaty and other international agreements. Loyzaga stressed the interconnected nature of these global efforts, emphasizing that they depend heavily on human action and political resolve.

As global leaders gear up for critical discussions on climate change mitigation and adaptation in Baku, Loyzaga highlighted ocean conservation as a priority, urging equal attention to terrestrial ecosystems. She elucidated the importance of addressing issues such as just transitions, food security—encompassing agriculture and fisheries—water resource management, public health, climate-motivated migration, urban growth, and local resilience. Additionally, developments in carbon markets and biodiversity conservation are on the Philippines’ radar at the conference.

In a related effort to strengthen international cooperation on climate issues, the Philippines is also poised to host the fourth meeting of the Board of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage from December 2 to December 5 in Manila. Loyzaga reiterated the country’s intent to collaborate closely with the board’s co-chairs and its newly elected executive director to expedite the fund’s operationalization, contributing to its overarching goals effectively.

The outcome of these talks and collaborations is crucial, as the Philippines aims to navigate the complex terrain of global climate diplomacy, ensuring that collective actions are steered toward sustainable and equitable futures for all.

COP29 represents a significant opportunity for countries like the Philippines to position themselves at the forefront of climate action, advocating for solutions that address both local and global challenges. As such, the insights, commitments, and innovations emerging from Baku could mark a pivotal moment in our shared climate journey.