Manila BulletinThe Philippines’ first-ever conference on net zero brought together an estimated 400 participants from businesses, policy-making bodies, financial institutions and other stakeholders, and underscored a multi-sectoral approach of policy, funding and innovation in advancing and achieving the country’s decarbonization goals.
Amid the undeniable reality of climate change, “there is no other way to go but net zero,” emphasized Federico Lopez, chairman and chief executive of EDC parent First Philippine Holdings Corporation, in his keynote message opening the event. Representative Jose Manuel F. Alba of the 1st District of Bukidnon as one of discussants on the opening plenary session ‘Strengthening resilience: Scaling the Philippines' net zero ambitions’
In terms of financing, “the transition to net zero represents one of the largest economic shifts of our time,” said Orkhan Mustafayev, senior advisor to the High-Level Champion on Business Engagement for COP29. He cited the International Energy Agency in estimating that the global net zero journey will require clean energy investments to grow to $4 trillion annually by 2030.
Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, vice chairperson and executive director of the Climate Change Commission, with the delegates of the first Philippine Net Zero Conference after his closing remarks