MANILA – First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos has called for stronger global collaboration to address the escalating impacts of climate change, emphasizing the urgency to prevent severe human and economic losses.
In her keynote speech at the Climate Adaptability and Energy Forum during the World Governments Summit in Dubai, UAE, on February 13, 2025, Araneta-Marcos highlighted the human toll of climate change.
“It’s not just about statistics; it has a human face,” she said, noting that millions of families are suffering the consequences of a crisis they did not create.
However, she stressed that no nation can solve the crisis alone. “We need global solidarity. The time to act is now,” she urged, advocating for innovation and cross-border collaboration to develop sustainable solutions.
Araneta-Marcos shared the Philippine government’s commitment to tackling climate challenges, underlining the efforts of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration. The Philippines aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030, as part of a broader socioeconomic transformation. Additionally, a National Adaptation Plan has been launched to enhance the resilience of Philippine communities, particularly in infrastructure and energy sectors.
Highlighting the Philippines’ vulnerability as one of the world’s most climate-affected countries, Araneta-Marcos pointed out that 30 million Filipinos were impacted by six tropical cyclones in October and November 2024 alone.
She concluded by urging nations to share best practices and empower future generations to tackle climate challenges. “Let’s not wait for another crisis. The time to act is now,” she said.
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