Legarda Renews Call to Action, Shares Practical Solutions to Stop Worsening Effects of Climate Change

Antique Congresswoman and environmental champion Loren Legarda today renewed her call to action to help stop the worsening impact of climate change before the leaders and experts of the ASEAN region during the ASEAN Ministerial Discussion on Clean Air, Health, and Climate, held at The Conservatory, The Peninsula Manila.

Legarda, a three-term senator who crafted landmark environmental laws such as the Clean Air Acr, Solid Waste Management Act, Renewable Energy Act, Climate Change Act, Clean Water Act, and Environmental Awareness Education Act, shared practical solutions to tackle climate change and air pollution.

“We have come to realize that in the face of climate and environmental crises, we cannot and should not stick to ‘business as usual.’ Actions to reduce short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) are now growing within and beyond the Climate and Clean Air Coalition,” said Legarda.

“Science tells us that these early and scaled-up solutions will help us avoid 0.6°C of warming by 2050, while improving air quality and preventing premature deaths and crop damages annually. The Coalition has recommended the 25 Solutions for addressing air pollution and SLCPs in the region – I call on you to adopt these solutions and integrate them into our climate action plans,” she added.

As the Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance during the Seventeenth Congress, Legarda introduced a special provision in the 2019 national government budget mandating the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to develop a National Action Plan.

“I commend countries that have been stepping up actions and partners scaling up support. Our actions to reduce household and urban air pollution not only brings immediate public health benefits to our people. It also enables us to deliver on our commitments under the Paris Agreement and protect our common home,” Legarda concluded.***