New development goals under threat by climate change–Neda

THE PHILIPPINES is calling for a renewed fight against the growing threat of climate change, saying this could derail the implementation of new development goals set by the United Nations.

In a statement issued over the weekend, the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) said the country is throwing its full support to the UN’s new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which would replace the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) that have drawn mixed reviews.

Neda Director General and Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, who attended the 70th UN General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York last month, told the meeting’s closing session that “if we are to achieve our development goals, we need to take urgent action to combat climate change.”

The “more ambitious and comprehensive” SDGs cover 17 goals and 169 targets that encompass economic, social and environmental sustainability. Over 150 UN member-countries are aiming to pursue these goals starting next year until 2030.

“We have seen extreme weather disturbances occurring with greater frequency and intensity. These calamities can negate our gains in reducing poverty, and even push back development,” Balisacan said.

The Neda chief told the UN forum economies should hike investments in climate resiliency while establishing climate change adaptation and mitigation mechanisms not only on a national scale but also at the community level.

“As president of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, and as one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, we will also work in the upcoming Paris Conference to ensure that we adopt a new legally binding climate agreement, that is universal and equitable,” Balisacan said.

The Philippines’ chief economist also expressed appreciation that the UN included in the SDGs measures to conserve and responsibly use oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.