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Philippines' Duterte calls for collective action to combat climate change amid typhoon onslaughts
From:Xinhua  |  2020-11-12 17:39

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MANILA, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday called for a "collective action" to fight the effects of climate change on the back of the onslaughts of series of typhoon his country has suffered in recent days.

Typhoon Vamco has killed two so far and left at least four missing, 11 days after Super Typhoon Goni, the world's most powerful typhoon this year, battered the Philippines early this month, killing over 25 people and destroying thousands of homes.

Three other typhoons pommelled the Philippines between Typhoon Goni and Typhoon Vamco.

"This calamity is yet another stark reminder of the urgency of collective action to combat the effects of climate change," Duterte told his counterparts via teleconference during the 37th ASEAN leaders summit chaired by Vietnam.

He stressed the need to further enhance ASEAN's cooperation on disaster risk reduction management to reinforce our capacities, both at the national and regional levels.

With timely disaster preparedness measures, Duterte said his government saved many lives.

"But the typhoon left a trail of destruction in infrastructure and property. This represents a setback for our development agenda, particularly in the affected regions," he added.

Duterte also stressed the need "to 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," Duterte said.

Duterte said developed countries must also deliver on their commitment to finance and invest in innovative adaptation solutions in the developing world.

"So we too can have a fair shot at progress and sustainable development," Duterte said.

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

The Philippines and the countries in the ASEAN region are highly vulnerable to the predicted effects of climate change, including higher sea levels, intense storm surges and cyclones, erratic rainfall patterns, and major temperature fluctuations.

ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Enditem

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