United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

SECRETARY RAMON J.P. PAJE delivering the Philippine Statement at the Joint High Level Segment (HLS) of the COP and CMP at COP 21, Le Bourget, Paris, France on 8 December 2015. Photo Source: Forest Management Bureau Website - Philippines Decries Lack of Financial Commitment in the Draft Paris Deal

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an international treaty focusing on what countries could do to limit average global temperature increases and the resulting climate change. The ultimate objective of the convention is the stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.

In 2013, both non-Annex (including the Philippines) and Annex I members to the UNFCCC were requested to prepare their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). Activities/Goals set under the INDC, regardless of the legal nature of the contributions, will serve as the first Nationally Determined Contribution of the respective parties for the period beyond the Doha Amendment, upon ratification of the Paris Agreement.

Focal Office:: Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)
Date Ratified:: November 20, 2003
Focal Persons:: National Focal Point to the UNFCCC
       Mr. JESUS R.S. DOMINGO
       Assistant Secretary
Department of Foreign Affairs
Tel. No. - (613) 233 1121

National Designated Entities (NDE) for Technology Transfer
Climate Change Commission
Tel. Nos. - (632) 735 3144 / 735 3069 / 522 0378

National Focal Point for Article 6 of the Convention /
Asia-Pacific Regional Representative
DNA Forum Chairing Committee
MR. ALBERT A. MAGALANG
       Chief, Climate Change Division (CCD)
       DENR - Environmental Management Bureau
       Tel. Nos. - (632) 920 2251

Designated National Authority for Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Secretariat
ATTY. JUAN MIGUEL T. CUNA
       Assistant Secretary and Concurrent Director
       DENR - Environmental Management Bureau
       Tel. Nos. - (632) 928 3725 / 927151
Commitments:: Parties to the UNFCCC are required to submit a national report on compliance with the convention, particularly on efforts to limit average global temperate increases and adaptation to impacts of climate change. The Philippines, as part of Non-Annex I parties, is required to submit the following documents:
1. National Communications (NC) - submitted every four years must include the national Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory together with measures for Adaptation and Mitigation.
2. Biennial Update Reports (BURs) submitted every two years provides an update on the submitted NCs including updates to the national GHG inventory, mitigation actions, constraints and gaps to implementation. The BURs must also include support needed and received for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation.

The Philippine INDC, communicated by the Climate Change Commission to the UNFCCC last October 2015, intends to undertake Greenhouse Gas (CO₂-e) emissions reduction of about 70% by 2030, relative to the Business-as-usual scenario of 2000-2030. Mitigation programs will focus on the following sectors:
1. Energy
2. Transport
3. Waste
4. Forestry
5. Industry

However, full implementation of the country’s INDC will depend on adequate, predictable and sustainable financial support made available to the Philippines.
Status / Updates:: The Philippines has submitted their second National Communication, including a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory for 2000. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is currently undergoing an updated GHG inventory for 2015.

The second National Communication may be accessed here, through the UNFCCC database.

Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation targets beyond 2020 for the Philippines will fall under the newly signed Paris Agreement as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). Next steps under the agreement includes the development of a more concrete framework for implementation.
Latest Activities:: 1. 40th Session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), 40th Session of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI 40) and 5th Part of the 2nd Session of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Duran Platform for Enhanced Action (Adp 2.5) (Attended by Albert Magalang)
: 2. 21st Conference of the Parties to UNFCCC held in Paris, France (DENR delegation headed by Secretary Ramon Paje with Undersecretary Jonas Leones, Assistant Secretary Michelle Go, Director Mundita Lim, Assistant Director Mayumi Quintos-Natividad, and Mr. Albert Magalang
Policy Issuances:: Administrative Order No. 2009 - 04
: Executive Order No. 174
Sources / Relevant Links:: http://unfccc.int/essential_background/convention/items/6036.php

This Page was updated on Thursday, 14 January 2016 17:24