Duterte calls for ‘collective action’ on climate change

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has called on different countries to have a “collective action” on climate change amid the concerning impacts of weather disturbances on developing countries.

During the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in China, Duterte thanked countries that helped the Philippines in times of calamities and called for a more “proactive measures” on climate change.

“President Duterte expressed grave concern over the impact of more frequent and more intense disruptive weather on developing countries like the Philippines, and called for greater principled, concerted and collective action on climate change,” Malacañang said in a statement released Sunday.

Duterte added that countries that are not following existing laws addressing climate change should be held accountable.

“[Duterte] urged countries to act, rather than just meet, and to ensure that all of the countries, particularly economies that contribute greenhouse emissions be made accountable,” Malacañang said.

“President Duterte called for the effective enforcement of the world’s commitments to address climate change,” the Palace added.

Duterte also called for countries to protect marine bodies and its resources which are common sources of livelihood, adding that countries must follow international law on the use of marine bodies.

According to the Palace, Duterte arrived in Manila on Sunday morning following the forum.

At the forum, Duterte met with other ASEAN leaders such as Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad of Malaysia, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha of Thailand, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar, Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia, and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phoc of Viet Nam. He also met President Khaltmaa Battulga of Mongolia and International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde.

Duterte also had a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping where they discussed pressing issues between the two countries — such as the maritime dispute on the West Philippine Sea where Chinese fishermen were reportedly poaching giant clams. /je