TWO months ahead before countries gather in France to conclude a landmark agreement to curb global warming, the French Embassy in the country will hold a series of activities to highlight the role of civil society in climate negotiations.
France, as the host of the 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) this December, is responsible for facilitating negotiations and consultations between governments and other stakeholders in preparation for this conference.
Given this mandate, the French Embassy will be organizing “COP21: The Road to Paris Starts in Manila,” a weeklong events starting on October 5 involving various non-governmental organizations, climate experts, students, members of academe and artists.
The event, also called the Climate Week, takes inspiration from the Manila Call to Action on Climate Change, an appeal directed to the international community to cooperate in addressing climate change and to support the conclusion of an ambitious, universal and legally binding agreement to limit the warming of the Earth to below 2°C during COP21.
The Manila Call to Action on Climate Change was launched by French President François Hollande, together with President Aquino, in Malacañan Palace during his state visit to the country early in the year.
“When Hollande and Aquino launched the Manila Call to Action in February, we recognized this as the start of the road to Paris toward a better and more sustainable planet for future generations,” French Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Laurent Legodec stressed.
He added: “Of course, climate change affects us all, regardless of race, religion or generation. This is why the conclusion of this climate agreement should not only be in the hands of heads of state and policy-makers. Everyone should do their part in raising awareness and contributing to discussions on the climate, and a large part of this lies with civil society.”
Climate Week will open with a reception at the Alliance Française de Manille, during which a photo exhibit on the environment, dubbed “Surface Tension: Perspectives on the Changing Landscape” by artists Wawi Navarroza, Veejay Villafranca and MM Yu will be inaugurated.
The film When Heaven Wept by Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairman Briccio Santos detailing the aftermath of Supertyphoon Yolanda will also be screened.
Conferences on COP21, climate justice, the preservation and conservation of culture and heritage, the role of media, and sustainable cities and energy transition will also be held in various universities from October 6 to 8.
Highlighting the role of art as an expression of their commitment for the climate and in inspiring others to take action, local artists will be given venues to exhibit or perform their craft at the Archivo 1984 Gallery and the Pineapple Lab Gallery in Makati City from October 6 to 10.
Various French films on the environment will also be shown to the public free of charge on October 6 and 7 at the Alliance Française de Manille.
A special exhibit entitled 60 Solutions to Address Climate Change by renowned French photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand will also be open for public viewing at the Senate of the Philippines from October 9 to 23. The inauguration of the exhibit will take place during the Summit of Conscience in the Philippines initiated by Sen. Loren Legarda.
The public is also invited to attend Climate Rhythms, a free concert featuring artists dedicated to the protection of the environment. Organized in partnership with Dakila, the concert will take place at the Rizal Park Open-Air Auditorium on October 10.
In the Philippines for Climate Week, the diplomatic corps, representatives from the government, civil society, media personalities and environmental advocates will be invited to a symbolic cycling event called Bike to Paris on October 11 to formally close the weeklong event.
As a show of solidarity for the climate and for the conclusion of an agreement in December, participants will ride their bikes from Kilometer Zero to the SM Mall of Asia Globe to symbolize the road from Manila to COP21 in Paris.
“During Climate Week, we want to engage everyone. We hope that this would let Filipinos know that there is action happening at the local and global levels to save our planet. We invite everyone to participate in our activities, and we hope that this would inspire action, as well,” Legodec said.