Legarda to Represent PHL at Summit of Consciences for the Climate in Paris

Senator Loren Legarda will join over 40 religious leaders and climate activists around the world at the Summit of the Consciences for the Climate to encourage everyone to protect the planet.

Legarda, United Nations Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, was invited by Nicolas Hulot, Special Envoy of the French President for the Protection of the Planet, to participate in the Summit as one of the panelists for the plenary session “Inspiring the World to care—igniting the will to act for the climate”.

The Summit, which will be held on 21 July 2015 in Paris, France, will be a highlight of the global mobilization in preparation for the 21^st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 21), which will be hosted by France in December this year.

“This Summit is an important prelude to COP 21. Before we even talk about what nations must do to save the world from the threats of climate change and agree on a universal climate deal on greenhouse gas emissions, each of us should have a personal reflection on what we can do to contribute to protecting the planet. We are the custodians of the Earth and stewards of its natural resources, thus, it is our responsibility to ensure that future generations will continue to live in a green, healthy and resilient world,” said Legarda.

The Summit will open with messages from French President Francois Hollande, Irish President Michael Higgins, Prince Albert of Monaco, and Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

In his invitation letter to the Senator, Hulot encouraged Legarda’s presence at the event: “Drawing upon your faith, experiences, philosophy and world views, your words will serve as an invitation to be sent to people all over the world to individually reflect on the need to adapt their lifestyle for the better of the environment and its inhabitants.”

Hulot had earlier thanked Legarda for her “decisive role” during the state visit of President Hollande to the Philippines in February 2015. “Every time we faced a difficulty, you were there to help and you convinced everyone that we should move forward and impress the world with a grand event,” said Hulot in thanking the Senator.

Legarda also helped in formulating stronger language for the joint Philippines-France Manila Call for Action on Climate Change, which the Senator read along with French actress Marion Cotillard during the state visit.

At the Summit of the Consciences, participants will launch a Call of Consciences for the Climate to influence everyone involved in the climate negotiations to decide and act for the sake of the planet and its inhabitants.