Cut carbon now! Duterte blames rich countries for climate change

By Prince Golez

As the Philippines suffers from the onslaught of typhoon “Ulysses,” President Rodrigo Duterte called for the developed nations to reduce their carbon emissions to mitigate the negative consequences of climate change.

The appeal of the President came in the wake of successive typhoons that hit the country recently, bringing destruction to affected communities.

“This calamity is yet another stark reminder of the urgency of collective action to combat the effects of climate change. We must therefore further enhance our cooperation on disaster risk reduction management to reinforce our capacities, both at the national and regional levels,” Duterte said during the 37th Asean Plenary.

“More importantly, we must amplify our voices to demand climate justice from those most responsible for this existential challenge we face today. Developed countries must lead in deep and drastic cuts in carbon emissions. They must act now, or it would be too late. Or if I may say addedly, it is too late,” he added.

The Chief Executive said the rich countries should compensate poorer nations as they, too, deserve a fair shot at progress and sustainable development.

“This is their moral responsibility from which there should be no escape. Otherwise, it would be a great injustice – a double blow to those who bear the brunt of the adverse consequences of their past actions and present inactions,” according to him.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)