A Filipino scientist from the National Academy of Science and Technology has urged the Philippines to adopt a formal net-zero emissions pledge, saying it would provide a clear policy direction for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing the country’s decarbonization efforts.
Speaking at the 48th Annual Scientific Meeting of NAST-PHL, Academician Dr. Raymond Girard R. Tan said a net-zero commitment would serve as the country’s “north star” in guiding national policies and encouraging government agencies, industries, and businesses to align their climate actions.
The Philippines has committed under the Paris Agreement to reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75 percent from 2020 to 2030 through its Nationally Determined Contributions. However, the country has yet to adopt a nationwide net-zero target.
Tan noted that the Philippines is among the few ASEAN countries without a formal net-zero commitment.
He said the long-term phaseout of fossil fuels would take time, but added that the country has already started moving in the right direction through its energy transition plans.
Tan also cited a collaborative study with researchers from Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and Japan, which found that achieving net-zero emissions for the Luzon power grid is possible through a mix of renewable energy, existing power plants, and carbon capture and storage technologies.
Meanwhile, Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making science, technology, and innovation more responsive and inclusive.
Solidum said this can be done by strengthening collaboration among the academe, research institutions, industry, local governments, and communities to support sustainable development.
The discussions formed part of the 48th NAST Annual Scientific Meeting, which focused on the role of science, technology, and innovation in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and generating evidence-based solutions to the country’s development challenges.