Manila: The Philippines has formally joined the Paris Agreement on Climate Change on Earth Day, said a lawmaker who joined several environment groups in celebrating the event.

“Earth Day is historic for the Philippines today. It marks the commencement of the Paris Agreement’s legal force and effect in our country. It will mark a great start to our journey towards a resilient and sustainable future,” said Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change and the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) Global Champion for Resilience.

“Starting today, the Philippines will no longer be an observer in the next meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA),” boasted Legarda, adding, “The Climate Change Commission (CCC), a lead agency in the Philippines, should guide and urge 1,634 local government units (LGU) to complete their respective local climate change action plans (LLCAP) within 2017.”

“This will give LGUs access to international climate funds so they can adapt to impact of climate change and eventually contribute to mitigation,” said Legarda, adding that LGUs can tap international green funders such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Global Environmental Facility (GEF); including the Philippine-based Peoples’ Survival Fund.

Noting an important provision that should be entered in the LLCAP, Legarda said, “I urge our LGUs to reduce carbon emissions and limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.” LGUs must start looking for renewable energy sources, she added.

Tasked to assist the CCC were the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP); LGU leagues, state universities and colleges (SUCs); Local Government Academy (LGA); private learning institutions; and the departments of interior and local government (DILG); environment and natural resources (DENR); and science and technology (DOST).

On March 23, 2017, the Philippine Mission to the United Nations deposited Manila’s Instrument of Accession to the UN Treaty Section (for the Paris Agreement). It entered into force for the Philippines after 30 days, on April 22 this year.

In December 2015, 195 nations crafted the Paris Agreement that limited global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius (above pre-industrial level).

But the Philippines, on behalf of more than 40 developing countries that comprised the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), led the call to limit the increase to 1.5°C.

Citing a low carbon monitor commissioned in 2016, CVF said a 1.5°C limit could still raise growth by 1% by 2040s — because of the reduction of the devastating impacts of global warming,

The Paris Agreement was opened for signature in New York on April 22, 2016. As of 2017, 195 countries have signed the agreement, 143 of which have ratified it.

April 22 is the annual celebration of Earth Day. It was initially celebrated in 1970. Now more than 193 countries are celebrating the event with Earth Day Network as coordinator.