Updating the Philippines’ Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC): Enhancing andImplementing a Better, Realistic and Equitable Climate Ambition Using the EuropeanUnion’s Experience

Abstract

The research paper aims to identify best practices and innovative policies of the European Union on climate change mitigation that will serve as models in institutionalizing and replicating these in the Philippines to ensure that climate change remains at the forefront of the Philippine government’s national agenda. Despite being a relatively minor contributor to global emissions, the economic toll of climate change on the Philippines is substantial.

In 2021, the Philippines submitted its first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Under the business-as-usual scenario, the Philippines has committed to a projected greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction and avoidance of 75% for 2020 to 2030. The commitment reflects both unconditional and conditional targets of 2.71% and 72.29%, respectively, for agriculture; waste; industries and industrial processes; transportation; and energy sectors.

As a negotiating tool to access means of implementation and support (MOIs) – climate finance, capacity building, and technology development and transfer – the NDC of the Philippines is considered an investment strategy to further strengthen international cooperation in delivering climate finance and accelerating climate investments to achieve global and national climate action goals.