In the international climate negotiations, we presented a position paper to both the Commission on Higher Education (Ched) and the Department of Education (DepEd), emphasizing the crucial role that the education sector should play in the Philippines' initiatives to address and alleviate the impacts of global climate change. We urged education agencies to mandate all school owners and administrators to incorporate solar panels into their campuses. As the younger generation, we are set to inherit a world extremely affected by severe weather conditions and escalating temperatures caused by the actions of previous generations.
Hence, we bear the most significant responsibility to take proactive measures and best efforts against climate change. In our position paper, we strongly promoted the concept of "solarizing our schools", advocating for the complete transition of all educational institutions from dependence on fossil fuels to the adoption of solar energy and other sustainable alternatives. We underscored the pressing need for government agencies and educational institutions to take the lead in addressing the impacts of climate change, particularly given that national emission targets are lacking to prevent its adverse effects.
We highlighted the successful initiatives of Makati City's local government and Catanduanes State University, which have implemented solar panel installations on their campuses. Given the abundant sunlight in the Philippines, it is a logical decision for us to intensify our reliance on solar energy. We are committed to advocating for an increased role for the youth in addressing the climate emergency, especially considering that the Philippines remains highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Urgency is paramount, as failure to act promptly could have catastrophic consequences. Solarizing our schools serves as an initial measure to educate the youth and enhance our contribution to emission reduction, aiming to stay below the critical 1.5°C threshold before climate change effects become irreversible.
