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#Pakistan achieved their climate action goals 10 years ahead of their deadline! #nasdaily #nasnews #learningisfun #savetheworld

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(Researched by: Leander Roxas)
URL: https://bit.ly/3IjTTSE

Title: #Pakistan achieved its climate action goals 10 years ahead of its deadline!

Author: NasNewsDaily
Date Published: July 24, 2020

Key Content: In the video, Pakistan achieved SDG 13 ahead of the deadline by planting millions of trees and investing in clean energy and electric-powered vehicles instead of traditional ones, which are among the main contributors to high carbon emissions. Similarly, in Mindanao, the Philippine Coconut Authority shared their eagerness to achieve the same thing by turning over a 20 million Pesos check last February 12, 2024, to plant 100 million trees from 2023 to 2028, in which PCA targets to plant 20 to 25 million trees yearly within five years in areas mostly in Mindanao.

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#Pakistan achieved their climate action goals 10 years ahead of their deadline! #nasdaily #nasnews #learningisfun #savetheworld

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@nasnewsdaily
#Pakistan achieved their climate action goals 10 years ahead of their deadline! #nasdaily #nasnews #learningisfun #savetheworld
♬ original sound - Nas News - Nas News

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(Researched by: Lucky Galagala)

URL: https://spoti.fi/3wAPMza

Title: Our Carbon Problem

Author: Stephanie Seferian

Date Published: June 2023

Key Content: The podcast discusses carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, focusing on removing CO2 from the atmosphere or directly from industrial sources before release. It stresses that trees alone can't absorb current CO2 emission levels, underscoring the need for technological solutions alongside natural carbon sinks. This is especially relevant for Mindanao, given its significant agricultural lands, forests, and marine ecosystems that help sequester carbon. However, these natural sinks face threats from deforestation, land use changes, and environmental pressures. The integration of carbon capture technologies could enhance these natural sinks, aiding the Philippines in achieving its climate objectives.

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Listen to this episode from Sustainable Minimalists on Spotify. The world has a big fat carbon problem. There's already too much of it in the atmosphere and - thanks to both our lifestyles and corporations' polluting, business-as-usual practices - we're emitting even more carbon into the atmosphere each and every second.Enter carbon capturing.Today in honor of Climate Optimism Week we are outlining the latest and greatest in the carbon capture game.

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8) Public Service Message or Promotional Video

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8) Public Service Message or Promotional Video

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(Researched by: Leander Roxas)

URL: https://bit.ly/42XpFOY

Title: Climate action starts at home

Author: IKEA

Date Published: April 1, 2019

Key Content: The video suggests actions to lower carbon footprints and aid sustainability: using solar power, installing low-flow showers and taps, cooking energy-efficiently, choosing sustainable transport like walking or buses, and promoting recycling and reusing to minimize waste. This video connects with our issue as implementing these eco-friendly practices in Davao or Mindanao not only aligns with the Philippines' commitment to sustainability but also leverages the region's unique resources and community spirit to combat climate change effectively.

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(Researched by: Leander Roxas)

URL: https://bit.ly/4bXcCRS

Title: Toxic Chemicals in Floodwater

Author: Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss

Date Published: February 22, 2024

Key Content: The content warns of health risks from chemical contaminants in floodwaters, including household, industrial, and agricultural pollutants, heavy metals, and bacteria. This connects to Mindanao's recent flooding events in the past few months by underscoring the importance of awareness and preparedness in these communities to mitigate health risks from contaminated floodwaters, especially given the agricultural and urban makeup of these areas, which could exacerbate the contamination and health risks described.

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Dear EarthTalk: In the aftermath of flood, we often hear about the immediate dangers of rising waters-drowning, swift currents and submerged vehicles. But what about the less visible threats? Specifically, do floodwaters contain toxic chemicals?
-Wil Hanson, Huntington, CT
Floodwaters are indeed treacherous, and their murky depths harbor more than just debris and silt. While the immediate risks of drowning and physical injury are apparent, the invisible hazards lurking within floodwaters can pose long-term health threats.

One of the unseen dangers in flooding is chemical contamination. Floodwaters aren't merely brown from dirt; they can also carry a cocktail of noxious pollutants. These contaminants originate from various sources. Household waste from cleaning agents, pesticides and other household chemicals can seep into floodwaters. In industrial zones, toxic gases like methane and sulfur dioxide may escape. Also, industrial chemicals like benzene and butadiene-known carcinogens-can get into the water. Agricultural fertilizers, pesticides and liquid waste from farms also get in to the chemical soup. And as floodwaters scour soil and backyards, they unearth heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium. These can persist in the water, posing risks to human health. In regions near coal-fired power plants, floodwaters may carry coal ash waste. This waste contains carcinogenic compounds like arsenic, chromium and mercury.

Besides outright pollutants, floodwaters contain bacteria and lead to wound infections. If you have cuts or abrasions, wash them with soap and clean water. Also, floodwater can cause skin rashes and irritation. Swallowing or coming into contact with contaminated water can lead to stomach ailments. Puncture wounds or those contaminated with feces need prompt attention. Tetanus boosters may be necessary. Less common but worrisome are Leptospirosis and Melioidosis, bacterial infections that can occur after exposure to contaminated water.

The most important thing to do is to stay out of floodwater whenever possible. If you come into contact with floodwater, wash the affected area with soap and clean water. Launder clothes contaminated by flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent. If you must enter floodwater, wear rubber boots, gloves and goggles. Also bear in mind that floodwaters may hide sharp objects, so be cautious to prevent injuries.

Many of us will be faced with floodwaters as global warming increases and causes more frequent and stronger storms. "Changes in the environment have already increased flooding across the United States, particularly in coastal and low-lying areas," reports the non-profit First Street, which created an online tool that makes it easy for Americans to find their home's risk. "As these trends continue into the future, 8.2 million more Americans will be at risk, and the damage and cost of flooding will continue to add up."

Indeed, floodwater is more than just a murky inconvenience-it carries a hidden burden of toxins. Remember: Even when the waters recede, the risks may linger for months. If your region is vulnerable, make sure you know how to keep yourself and loved ones safe in the event of a flood where you live.
CONTACTS EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine.com. To donate, visit https://earthtalk.org. Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org.

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Floodwaters are indeed treacherous, and their murky depths harbor more than just debris and silt.

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(Researched by: Lucky Galagala)

URL: https://bit.ly/3IiD7n5

Title: Hidalgo; Beat Air Pollution

Author: Sunstar Davao

Date Published: Jun 17, 2019

Key Content: The lack of awareness on the impact of climate change in Mindanao results to severe carbon emissions, air pollution, and health issues, including the significant sources of air pollution and biomass burning in rural areas, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and action to protect the environment and public health.

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THE United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has reported that the most dominant causes of air pollution in rural areas is biomass burning while in the urban areas, it is vehicle and industrial emissions.

The Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that indoor air pollution among the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) caused more than 376,000 premature deaths; while outdoor air pollution was estimated to cause more than 149,000 deaths annually.

Humans rely on the planet's rich biodiversity and ecosystems. These are the sources of our air, water, and food. They are the sources of raw materials for medicine and shelters, and natural capital for businesses and industries. All these are threatened by air pollution. The five major sources of air pollution are the households, industries, transport, agriculture, and wastes.

Household air pollution comes from the indoor burning of fossil fuels, wood, and fuels for cooking, heating, and lighting. Global transport sector accounts for almost one quarter of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. Transport emissions have been linked to about 400,000 premature deaths. In agriculture, the air pollutants come from live stocks which produce methane and ammonia. Burning agricultural wastes in landfills release harmful dioxins, methane, furans, and black carbon in to the atmosphere.

These pollutants are dangerous for human life. We breathe in a mixture of these gases into our lungs into our blood streams going to the heart and the entire human body through blood vessels. The cardiovascular system is dependent on the functioning of the respiratory system; it is also indirectly connected to the health of the lungs. People living near major roads have the risks of dying earlier shortening their life expectancy. Studies also showed that heart attacks, life-threatening heart rhymes, and thickening of the blood can be due to exposure to air pollution.

Air pollution, according to research, may affect pregnancy and cause higher blood pressure. There is gestational hypertension and she will give birth prematurely, the baby is small and may need a cesarean operation.

Humans are the cause of air pollution but they are also the problem. We can plant native vegetation to absorb the carbon dioxide. On transportation, we can use bicycles, skate boards, or scooters but there should also be dedicated roads for these bikers. One commendable solution is to reduce, reuse, and recycle the wastes. The useless wastes can be recycled into useful materials.

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THE United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has reported that the most dominant causes of air pollution in rural areas is biomass burning while in the urban a

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(Researched by: Leander Roxas)

URL: https://bit.ly/3IjB1n6

Title: Marcos calls for 'unity, cooperation' in climate change mitigation programs

Author: ABS-CBN News

Date Published: November 22, 2023

Key Content: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized unity and cooperation against climate change at the 16th Annual Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week, urging increased resilience and adaptability. This call to action is directly relevant to Mindanao areas that are vulnerable to climate-related disasters, underlining the necessity for localized and concerted efforts in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

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Marcos calls for 'unity, cooperation' in climate change mitigation programs

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President Marcos Jr. urged the Climate Change Commission to 'effectively communicate' programs that would foster 'unity and cooperation.'

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(Researched by: Lucky Galagala)

URL: https://bit.ly/3UYG5F0

Title: Research and Development to Accelerate Climate Action

Author: Fr. Joel E. Tabora, S.J

Date Published: February 2, 2023

Key content: This article stresses the urgent need for environmental action, highlighting the role of creative approaches in advancing initiatives. It also proposes specific measures to address global warming, including reducing dependence on non-renewable energy sources and promoting sustainable practices. Additionally, the article discusses local initiatives in Mindanao, underscoring the importance of engaging with local experts and networks to understand environmental dynamics.

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(Researched by: Rean Redido)

URL: https://bit.ly/3IjBaqE

Title: BBM VLOG #136: Climate Justice | Bongbong Marcos

Author: Bongbong Marcos

Date published: November 21, 2020

Key content: The video's main points include BBM showcasing former President Rodrigo Duterte's aid during Typhoon Rolly and emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change. BBM calls for solutions, advocating for reduced carbon emissions in the country and seeking aid from high-emission countries. This issue is particularly relevant in Mindanao, where energy production, industrial activities, and deforestation, notably in Davao City and Cagayan de Oro City, contribute to carbon emissions, highlighting the need for action from Mindanao citizens.

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BBM VLOG #136: Climate Justice | Bongbong Marcos

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(Researched by: Rean Redido)

URL: https://bit.ly/3wzcbwN

Title: BANTAY TAMBUTSO IN DAVAO CITY

Author: DENR REGION XI

Date Published: September 02, 2021

Key Content: The DENR-EMB and Davao City Anti-Smoke Belching Unit have enforced stricter environmental regulations in Mindanao, resulting in 42 out of 100 vehicles failing emission tests, highlighting the need for increased public awareness and stricter adherence to regulations to mitigate air pollution and climate change.

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The DENR-Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) recently held an operation through its Bantay Tambutso Program together with Davao City Anti-Smoke Belching Unit of City Environment and Natural Resources along Carlos P. Garcia National Highway last 27th of August, 2021.

Of the 100 vehicles tested, 58 had passed and 42 failed.

Drivers of the said vehicles that exceeded the average CO emission limits based on DENR Administrative Order No. 2015-04 or the implementation of Euro4 and In-use Vehicle Emission Standards were given citation tickets.

Bantay Tambutso Program is EMB's monthly activity pursuant to Section 21 of RA 8749 or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999. It aims to monitor and curb air pollution in the city likewise to reduce its environmental and health effects.

Details

Parent Category: News & Events

Category: Press Releases

Published: 02 September 2021

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The DENR-Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) recently held an operation through its Bantay Tambutso Program together with Davao City Anti-Smoke Belching Unit of City Environment and Natural Resources along Carlos P. Garcia National Highway last 27th of August, 2021. Of the 100 vehicles tested, 58 had passed and 42 failed.

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Advocates call for climate emergency in Mindanao

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(Researched by: Rean Redido)

URL: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/climate-and-environment/2024/02/18/2334298/advocates-call-climate-emergency-mindanao

Title: Advocates call for climate emergency in Mindanao

Author: Gaea Katreena Cabico

Date published: February 18, 2024

Key content: Advocates calls climate for emergency in Mindanao after consecutive disastrous events to cease opperations that contributes to enviromental degradation.

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MANILA, Philippines - A coalition of climate advocates has called on the government to declare a state of climate emergency in Mindanao as floods, landslides and drought affect communities in the country's south.

"A declaration of climate emergency is the first step towards acknowledging the urgency of the climate crisis and placing front and center the people during the climate crisis," the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) said.

PMCJ, a coalition of environmental, faith-based, and people's organizations, released the statement following reports of water sources drying up in Tawi-Tawi and Bukidnon due to El Niño. Recent studies suggest that global warming may be leading to stronger El Niño events.

Heavy rain, meanwhile, has caused massive floods and landslides in Davao de Oro and Agusan del Sur, burying villages and killing dozens of residents.

PMCJ urged the local governments in Mindanao to strengthen the capacity of localities to deal with the impacts of climate change, provide adequate shelter to displaced communities, and review current disaster prevention and response programs.

Local governments should also limit carbon emissions in the local industries, craft a roadmap to bring renewable energy projects to rural communities, the coalition added.

"We implore the government to prioritize the welfare of Mindanaoans and the environment now," it said.

Groups have been asking the national government to declare a climate emergency in the Philippines, one of the nations most vulnerable to climate impacts.

The House of Representatives approved on final reading a bill declaring that the Philippines in a state of climate emergency in November 2023. However, counterpart bills in the Senate currently remain pending at the committee level.

The provincial government of Albay, as well as major cities such as Quezon City and Makati City, previously declared a state of climate emergency.

'Destructive activities worsen climate impacts'

PMCJ also called for tighter regulations on mining operations and probe mining operations in Brgy. Masara, a gold-mining village in Maco, Davao del Sur.

A massive landslide triggered by relentless downpour hit the area, killing at least 98 individuals. Nine people remained missing.

"Poor land management exacerbates climate impacts. Destructive economic activities like mining weakens our defenses against climate disasters," PMCJ said.

Anti-mining coalition Alyansa Tigil Muna also said in an earlier statement that mineral extraction does not only contribute to climate change, but also worsens its impacts.

PMCJ noted that large-scale mining operations lead to widespread deforestation, which makes mountains more vulnerable to erosion.

"As global warming brings more frequent and heavier rains, landslides will happen more often," it added.

Apex Mining Corp. said the landslide occurred outside the company's mine operations area.

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Advocates call for climate emergency in Mindanao

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PMCJ urged the local governments in Mindanao to strengthen the capacity of localities to deal with the impacts of climate change, provide adequate shelter to displaced communities, and review current disaster prevention and response programs.

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(Researched by: Rean Redido)

URL: https://bit.ly/3OXOPXW

Title: CO₂ and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Author: Hannah Ritchie, Pablo Rosad & Max Roser

Date published: 2023

Key Content: Human emissions of ozone-depleting compounds from fossil fuel use worsen the global climate crisis. It's essential to transform energy, industry, and food sectors to reduce carbon emissions. This connects with our issue as Mindanao demonstrates that lowering emissions can enhance living standards without increasing carbon production, through initiatives like the Davao City Waste-to-Energy Facility and the Davao Renewable Energy Program.

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You can download our complete Our World in Data CO ₂ and Greenhouse Gas Emissions database.

CO₂ and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Country Profiles

How are emissions changing in each country? Is your country making progress on reducing emissions? We built 207 country profiles which allow you to explore the statistics for every country in the world.

Each profile includes interactive visualizations, explanations of the presented metrics, and the details on the sources of the data.

See emissions in your country and how it compares to others:

Our 12 most visited country profiles

Every profile includes five sections

Why do greenhouse gas emissions matter?

Global average temperatures have increased by more than 1℃ since pre-industrial times

Human emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases - are a primary driver of climate change - and present one of the world's most pressing challenges.¹ This link between global temperatures and greenhouse gas concentrations - especially CO ₂ - has been true throughout Earth's history.²

To set the scene, let's look at how the planet has warmed. In the chart, we see the global average temperature relative to the average of the period between 1961 and 1990.

The red line represents the average annual temperature trend through time, with upper and lower confidence intervals shown in light grey.

We see that over the last few decades, global temperatures have risen sharply - to approximately 0.7℃ higher than our 1961-1990 baseline. When extended back to 1850, we see that temperatures then were a further 0.4℃ colder than they were in our baseline. Overall, this would amount to an average temperature rise of 1.1℃.

Because there are small year-to-year fluctuations in temperature, the specific temperature increase depends on what year we assume to be 'pre-industrial' and the end year we're measuring from. But overall, this temperature rise is in the range of 1 to 1.2℃.³

Greenhouse gas emissions from human activities are the main driver of this warming

How much of the warming since 1850 can be attributed to human emissions? Almost all of it. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states clearly in its AR5 assessment report⁴:

"Anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions have increased since the pre-industrial era, driven largely by economic and population growth, and are now higher than ever. This has led to atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide that are unprecedented in at least the last 800,000 years. Their effects, together with those of other anthropogenic drivers, have been detected throughout the climate system and are extremely likely to have been the dominant cause of the observed warming since the mid-20th century. "

Aerosols have played a slight cooling role in global climate, and natural variability has played a very minor role. This article from the Carbon Brief, with interactive graphics showing the relative contributions of different forcings on the climate, explains this very well.

A changing climate has a range of potential ecological, physical, and health impacts, including extreme weather events (such as floods, droughts, storms, and heatwaves); sea-level rise; altered crop growth; and disrupted water systems. The most extensive source of analysis on the potential impacts of climatic change can be found in the 5th Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report.⁵

In some regions, warming has - and will continue to be - much greater than the global average

Local temperatures in 2019 relative to the average temperature in 1951-1980.⁶

When we think about the problem of global warming, a temperature rise of 1℃ can seem small and insignificant.

Not only is it true that 1℃ of rapid warming itself can have significant impacts on climate and natural systems, but also that this 1℃ figure masks the large variations in warming across the world.

In the map shown - taken from the Berkeley Earth global temperature report - we see the global distribution of temperature changes in 2019 relative to the period 1951 - 1980.⁷ This period from 1951 to 1980 is similar to the period global average time series shown in the section above.

There are a couple of key points that stand out.

Firstly, the global average temperature rise is usually given as the combined temperature change across both land and the sea surface. But it's important to note that land areas change temperature, both warming and cooling much more than oceanic areas.⁸ Overall, global average temperatures over land have increased around twice as much as the ocean. Compared to the 1951 - 1980 average, temperatures over land increased by 1.32 ± 0.04 °C. Whereas, the ocean surface temperature (excluding areas of sea ice) increased by only 0.59 ± 0.06 °C.

Since the Northern Hemisphere has more land mass, this also means that the change in average temperature north of the equator has been higher than in the south.

Secondly, from the map shown, we see that in some regions the temperature change has been much more extreme. At very high latitudes - especially near the Poles - warming has been upwards of 3°C, and in some cases exceeding 5°C. These are, unfortunately, often the regions that could experience the largest impacts such as sea ice, permafrost, and glacial melt.

Monitoring the average global temperature change is important, but we should also be aware of how differently this warming is distributed across the world. In some regions, warming is much more extreme.

How are greenhouse gas emissions and concentrations changing?

Atmospheric concentrations of CO₂ continue to rise

To slow down - with the eventual aim of halting - rising global temperatures, we need to stabilize concentrations of CO ₂ and other greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere.⁹ This link between global temperatures and greenhouse gas concentrations - especially CO ₂ - has been true throughout Earth's history.¹⁰ It's important to note that there is a 'lag' between atmospheric concentrations and final temperature rise - this means that when we do finally manage to stabilize atmospheric concentrations, temperatures will continue to slowly rise for years to decades.¹¹,¹²

But, far from stabilizing concentrations, greenhouse gases continue to accumulate.

In the chart here we see global average concentrations of CO ₂ in the atmosphere over the past 800,000 years. Over this period we see consistent fluctuations in CO ₂ concentrations; these periods of rising and falling CO ₂ coincide with the onset of ice ages (low CO ₂) and interglacials (high CO ₂).¹³ These periodic fluctuations are caused by changes in the Earth's orbit around the sun - called Milankovitch cycles.

Over this long period, atmospheric concentrations of CO ₂ did not exceed 300 parts per million (ppm). This changed with the Industrial Revolution and the rise of human emissions of CO ₂ from burning fossil fuels. We see a rapid rise in global CO ₂ concentrations over the past few centuries, and in recent decades in particular. For the first time in over 800,000 years, concentrations did not only rise above 300ppm but are now well over 400ppm.

It's not only the level of change CO ₂ in the atmosphere that matters, but also the rate that this has changed. Historical changes in CO2 concentrations tended to occur over centuries or even thousands of years. It took us a matter of decades to achieve even larger changes. This gives species, planetary systems, and ecosystems much less time to adapt.

Global emissions have not yet peaked

To stabilize (or even reduce) concentrations of CO ₂ in the atmosphere, the world needs to reach net-zero emissions. This requires large and fast reductions in emissions.

Are we making progress towards this? How far are we from this target?

At a time when global emissions need to be falling, they are in fact still rising, as the chart here shows. The world has not yet peaked.

Current climate policies will reduce emissions, but not quickly enough to reach international targets

Related charts

Current policies to reduce, or at least slow down growth, in CO ₂ and other greenhouse gas emissions will have some impact on reducing future warming.

As we see in the chart shown here, current implemented climate and energy policies would reduce warming relative to a world with no climate policies in place. This chart maps out future greenhouse gas emissions scenarios under a range of assumptions: if no climate policies were implemented; if current policies continued; if all countries achieved their current future pledges for emissions reductions; and necessary pathways which are compatible with limiting warming to 1.5 °C or 2 °C of warming this century.¹⁴

If countries achieved their current 'Pledges' (also shown on the chart), this would be an even further improvement. In this regard, the world is making some progress.

But if our aim is to limit warming to "well below 2°C" - as is laid out in the Paris Agreement - we are clearly far off track.

Robbie Andrew, a senior researcher at the Center for International Climate Research (CICERO), mapped out the global emissions reduction scenarios necessary to limit global average warming to 1.5°C and 2°C. Based on the IPCC's Special Report on 1.5°C and Michael Raupach's work, published in Nature Climate Change, these mitigation curves show that urgent and rapid reductions in emissions would be needed to achieve either target.¹⁵,¹⁶,¹⁷ And the longer we delay a peak in emissions, the more drastic these reductions would need to be.

We may be making slow progress relative to a world without any climate policies, but we are still far from the rates of progress we'd need to achieve international targets.

Which countries have set net-zero emissions targets?

Whilst current climate policies fall well short of what's needed to keep temperatures below 1.5 °C or 2 °C, countries have set more ambitious targets to reach net-zero emissions.

These interactive maps show the status of net-zero emissions targets across the world. This is based on the latest data from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit's Net Zero Scorecard.¹⁸

The target year to reach net zero varies by country - you can see the target year for each country by hovering over it on the map.

Note that the inclusion criteria may vary from country to country. For example, some countries may include international aviation and shipping in their net-zero commitment, while others do not. Or, some may allow for carbon offsets while others will not accept them. You can dig deeper into the specifics of each country's criteria here.

Can we make progress in reducing emissions?

Some countries reduced emissions whilst increasing GDP - even when we take into account outsourced production

There is a strong link between CO ₂ emissions, prosperity, and standards of living - we look at this in much more detail, with the data, on our page on Emissions Drivers.

Therefore, if we're to ask the question: "Have any countries demonstrated that we can make progress in reducing emissions?", they would have to achieve both:

1. High standards of living;

2. Low levels of emissions, or at least large reductions in emissions to maintain that standard of living.

There are many countries that meet one criterion: rich countries that have high standards of living, but also high levels of emissions; and poor countries that have low levels of emissions but poor standards of living.

But, some countries have shown signs of progress. A number of countries have shown in recent years that it is possible to increase GDP whilst also reducing emissions. We see this in the chart which shows the change in GDP and annual CO ₂ emissions. Both production- and consumption-based CO ₂ emissions are shown - consumption-based emissions are corrected for traded goods and services, so we can see whether emissions reductions were only achieved by "offshoring" production to other countries.

A number of countries - such as the USA, UK, France, Spain, Italy, and many others - have managed to reduce emissions (even when we correct for trade) whilst increasing GDP.

The more important question is "Can we make progress fast enough?"

So we can see numerous examples of countries, with high standards of living, which have been successful in reducing emissions. This is a clear signal that it is possible to make progress.

But the key question here is probably less: "can we make progress?", but rather "can we make progress fast enough?".

As we explored earlier in this article, the world is currently far off-track from our 2 ° C target. If this is our definition of "fast enough" then we have little historical evidence to suggest that most, or even some, countries can reduce emissions (whilst maintaining high living standards) at the speed needed to achieve this.

We can make progress, but it's currently too slow. We need a large-scale acceleration of these efforts across the world.

How do we make progress in reducing emissions?

To make progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, there are two fundamental areas we need to focus on: energy (this encapsulates electricity, heat, transport, and industrial activities) and food and agriculture (which includes agriculture and land use change, since agriculture dominates global land use).

Below we've listed some of the key actions we need to make progress in each area. At a very basic level they can be summarised by two core concepts: improving efficiency (using less energy to produce a given output; and using less land, fertilizer, and other inputs for food production, and reducing food waste); and transitioning to low-carbon alternatives (in energy, this means shifting to renewables and nuclear; for food, this means substituting carbon-intensive products for those with a lower carbon footprint).

How can we decarbonize our energy systems?

1. Shift towards low-carbon electricity (reduce carbon intensity - carbon per unit energy)
- Renewables
- Nuclear energy
- Shift from coal to gas (which emits less CO₂ per unit of energy) as an interim step
→ Explore our work on energy.
→ Explore our data on CO2 emissions by fuel type.

2. Shift sectors such as transport, towards electricity. Some energy sectors are harder to decarbonize - for example, transport. We, therefore, need to shift these forms towards electricity where we have viable low-carbon technologies.
→ Explore our data on greenhouse gas emissions by sector.

3. Develop low-cost low-carbon energy and battery technologies. To do this quickly, and allow lower-income countries to avoid high-carbon development pathways, low-carbon energy needs to be cost-effective and the default choice.

4. Improve energy efficiency - energy per unit GDP.
→ Explore our data on energy intensity.

How can we reduce emissions from food production and agriculture?

1. Reduce meat and dairy consumption, especially in higher-income countries. Shift dietary patterns towards lower-carbon food products. This includes eating less meat and dairy generally but also substituting high-impact meats (e.g. beef and lamb) for chicken, fish, or eggs. Innovation in meat substitutes could also play a large role here.
→ Read our article on the carbon footprint of meat and dairy versus alternative foods.
→ Explore our work on meat and dairy production.

2. Promote lower-carbon meat and dairy production. We are not going to cut out meat and dairy products completely any time soon (and doing so is unnecessary - large reductions would be sufficient). This makes the promotion of lower-carbon production methods essential.
→ Read our article on the large differences in carbon footprint for specific meat and dairy products.

3. Improve crop yields. Sustainable intensification of agriculture allows us to grow more food on less land. This could help to prevent deforestation from agricultural expansion, and frees up land for replanting, or giving back to natural ecosystems.
→ Explore our work on crop yields.

4. Reduce food waste. Around one-third of food emissions come from food that is lost in supply chains or wasted by consumers. Improving harvesting techniques, refrigeration, transport, and packaging in supply chains; and reducing consumer waste can reduce emissions significantly.
→ Read our article on GHG emissions from food waste.

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Who is emitting greenhouse gases? Which countries and which sectors? And what needs to happen to reduce emissions?

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(Researched by: Larissa Tiangco)

URL: https://bit.ly/49Qa99V

Title: Mga Kwento ng Klima

Author: OML Center and ABS-CBN DocuCentral

Date Published: April 21, 2022

Key Content: The documentary "Mga Kwento ng Klima" explores the impacts of climate change in Mindanao, Philippines, highlighting survival strategies and challenges faced by communities, such as increased typhoon intensity, sea level rise and agricultural challenges due to prolonged droughts. Through mini-workshops and stakeholder engagements, the documentary aims to raise awareness and drive action on climate change adaptation and mitigation.

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Mga Kwento ng Klima (with English Subtitles)

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(Researched by: Leander Roxas)

URL: https://bit.ly/434Zh5W

Title: Lessons from the Past on Adapting to Climate Change

Author: Laprisha Berry Daniels

Date Published: February 3, 2024

Key Content: The video discusses historical floods in Detroit, community adaptations to climate change, and the need for acceptance, aid, and adaptation. It parallels recent floods in Mindanao, emphasizing the importance of awareness, preparedness, and community adaptation. It advocates for better infrastructure and response to mitigate future climate crises and environmental setbacks in areas prone to climate-induced flooding.

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Lessons from the Past on Adapting to Climate Change | Laprisha Berry Daniels | TED

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(Researched by: Leander Roxas)

URL: https://bit.ly/42VkAGY

Title: One Mindanao: Free Emission Testing sa Davao City

Author: GMA TV

Date Published: Nov 15, 2019

Key Content: The Anti-smoke belching unit conducted free emission testing as they celebrated Clean Air Month. Vicente Revamonte, an Engineer 1 from ASBU (Anti-Smoke Belching Unit), explained the process where if one vehicle failed the emission test, they would suggest modifications or solutions for it to pass. In context, the upgrade from Euro 2 to Euro 4 reduces the toxic sulfur that comes out of the combustion engine by 450 parts per million (ppm), both on diesel and gasoline, which results in lesser carbon emission and a greener environment.

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One Mindanao: Clean Air Month sa Pamamagitan ng Libreng Emission Testing

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(Researched by: Larissa Tiangco)

URL: https://bit.ly/3Teaaiq

Title: The Carbon Footprint of Everything

Author: Mike Berners-Lee

Date Published: April 19, 2022

Key Content: "The Carbon Footprint of Everything" is a book by Mike Berners-Lee that evaluates the carbon output of various items, incorporating recent research to assess the pandemic's impact and new considerations like cryptocurrencies. This book is relevant to our topic as it can guide individuals and policymakers in Mindanao to make informed decisions on reducing carbon footprints and contributing to environmental sustainability in the region.

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(Researched by: Rean Redido)

URL:https://ejournals.ph/function/reader1/read2/web/reader.php?id=uploads%2Farchive%2FIJERHL%2FVol.+24+No.+2+%282018%29%2FArticles%2FA11_Limjuco.pdf&di=13299

Title: Air Quality of Davao City as Affected by the Traffic Vehicle Density

Date published: 2018

Author: Maria Luisa R. Limjuco

Key content: A study from University of Immaculate Conception assesed how heavy traffic density and irregular emission testing to vehicles contributes to high carbon emission in Davao City, impacting the climate.

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R. Limjuco, J. Yu et al. Air Quality of Davao City as Affected by the Traffic Vehicle Density R. Limjuco, J. Yu et al.178 International Journal of Education Research for Higher Learning.2018.24(2):177-187 179INTRODUCTIONCountries have been changing and cities are growing. Some of the ruralplaces are…

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(Researched by: Maria Rama)

URL: https://bit.ly/3Ie3ASO

Title: NASA video shows carbon emissions on earth | Latest World News

Author: World Is One News

Date Published: June 22, 2023

Key Content: The video highlights the global impact of human-induced climate change, particularly the distribution of carbon dioxide emissions. It utilizes NASA's visualizations to demonstrate the concentration and distribution of these emissions across different regions of the world, emphasizing the urgent need for action to mitigate climate-related disasters, which is also observable in Mindanao, Davao, and Carmen.

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NASA video shows carbon emissions on earth | Latest World News

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(Researched by: Maria Rama)

URL: https://bit.ly/3Iiet61

Title: Polluted Palette by JC Vargas

Author: Lou Albano, GMA Integrated News

Artist: JC Vargas

Date Published: October 2, 2023

Key Content: The article discusses "Polluted Palette," an art exhibit by JC Vargas that uses pigments made from Metro Manila's air pollutants to highlight air quality issues. This is relevant to our topic because it serves as a compelling example for cities like Davao and other big cities in Mindanao to recognize the importance of addressing air pollution and its impact on public health and the environment.

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These paintings are made with pigments from pollutants found in Metro Manila air

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Artist and architect JC Vargas created 37 works of art made with pigments from Metro Manila air pollution. ‘Polluted Palette’ is on exhibit at the Menarco Vertical Museum in BGC, Taguig until Oct. 7.

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(Researched by: Maria Rama)

URL: https://bit.ly/3IfyMBd

Title: Simple Ways How You Can Engage In Our Fight Against Climate Change

Author: DENROfficial

Date Published: November 25, 2020

Key Content: The DENR has released an Advocacy Poster/Print Ad addressing climate change, promoting activities like choosing sustainable transportation and advocating for renewable energy. These suggestions were observable in Mindanao and Davao City, especially during the post-lockdown era when cycling and single-use plastic policies were prevalent in local colleges and universities like Ateneo de Davao University, San Pedro College, and other schools in the area.

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Simple Ways How You Can Engage In Our Fight Against Climate Change

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YOUth can do something to SAVE our environment. Take climate actions now! Here are some of the simple ways how you can engage in our fight a...

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(Researched by: Rean Redido)

URL: https://bit.ly/3wGW3sW

Title: Philippines to Pilot Energy Transition Mechanism in Mindanao

Author: BIMP-EAGA

Date published: November 23, 2021

Key content: By 2030, the Philippines aims to reduce and avoid 75% of its greenhouse gas emissions, focusing efforts on Mindanao. The Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM) in Mindanao will replace coal-fired power plants with hydroelectric ones and repair existing hydropower plants, supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This innovative strategy, part of a global initiative, demonstrates how reducing emissions can improve living standards without increasing carbon production and may involve Indonesia and Vietnam.

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The Philippines has committed to reduce and avoid 75% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Photo credit: ADB

The Philippines will pilot the Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM) project in Mindanao, where the Agus-Pulangi hydropower plants will be rehabilitated and expanded to enable the early retirement of coal-fired power plants.

"We have a unique opportunity in Mindanao, an island in the southern part of the Philippines, to demonstrate our carbon-reduction commitment. In Mindanao, the hydropower source has a huge potential," said Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez at the recent COP26. "As we increase its (Agus-Pulangi) generating capacity, the ETM project will help us acquire coal-fired power plants on the island to repurpose them."

Coal accounts for 54% of the country's energy mix. In 2019, it produced 48% of carbon dioxide emissions. Dominguez said "reducing dependence on coal power is the fastest way to cut our carbon emissions."

The Philippines has committed to a projected greenhouse gas emission reduction and avoidance of 75% from 2020 to 2030 for agriculture, wastes, industry, transport, and energy sectors. It accounts for only three-tenths of one percent of global carbon emissions. However, the country ranks as the 9th most climate-vulnerable in the world.

Innovative program

At the climate talks in Glasgow, the Philippines announced it is working with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and some private sector partners in developing the ETM, which can become the largest carbon reduction program in the world. It is also exploring a possible partnership with the new private sector-led Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet to help hasten its transition to renewable energy.

An initiative of ADB, the ETM is an innovative blended-finance approach that seeks to retire existing coal-fired power plants on an accelerated schedule and replace them with clean power capacity over the next 10 to 15 years. It will bring together public and private funds to support the shift to renewable energy.

Indonesia is also partnering with ADB on the ETM project. Viet Nam may also join the initiative.

A showcase project

The ETM pilot is expected to help shift most of Mindanao's energy requirements to hydropower, said Dominguez, who is chairman-designate of the Philippines' Climate Change Commission (CCC). "Mindanao will showcase an Earth-friendly future that can be replicated in other areas in the Philippines-and even countries around the world," he remarked.

Based on data from the Philippines' Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM), the Agus-Pulangi rehabilitation project would enable the seven power plants in the hydropower complex to maximize their generation capacity to a combined 1,001 megawatts (MW), which is more than enough to cover the 232 MW capacity of the Mindanao Coal-Fired Power Plant that can be retired earlier in the area.

The oversupply of power in Mindanao resulting in stranded coal assets makes it timely to repurpose mature (more than 15 years old) coal power plants to renewable energy sources.

ADB is conducting a feasibility study of the ETM project for the Philippines to look at the financial aspects and estimate the economic value of a significant share of the coal fleet that could be retired early.

More investments and jobs

A full scale-up of ETM in the Philippines is expected to attract more investments in renewable energy, create jobs, and support economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), investing $10 million in renewable energy and energy efficiency generates 2 to 2.5 times more jobs than investing in fossil fuels.

In Glasgow, Dominguez met with Dr. Rajiv Shah, the president of the Rockefeller Foundation, which is one of the pioneers of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet or GEAPP, to discuss a possible list of projects that they can help fund for the Philippines.

Launched by Rockefeller, IKEA Foundation, and the Bezos Earth Fund on the sidelines of COP26, GEAPP has committed an initial $10 billion to help accelerate the implementation of clean energy projects in developing economies that are highly vulnerable to climate change. The group aims to deliver transformational programs that will accelerate and scale up an equitable energy transition in developing and emerging economies, while creating millions of jobs in the process.

Dominguez discussed with Shah the decommissioning and repurposing of coal-fired power plants in Mindanao and how the GEAPP can possibly assist in this initiative. The Rockefeller Foundation is also involved in the ETM project; it has signed a memorandum of understanding with ADB on designing and establishing the facility.
This article was first published by BIMP-EAGA on 23 November 2021.

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Philippines to Pilot Energy Transition Mechanism in Mindanao | SEADS

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The Agus-Pulangi hydropower plants will be rehabilitated and expanded to enable the early retirement of coal-fired power plants.