Photo Taken In Philippines, Quezon City (Photo: Getty Images)
Cover Photo: Quezon City, Philippines (Photo: Getty Images)

The cities of Davao, Dipolog, and Quezon pave the way towards a more eco-friendly Philippines after they have been chosen as finalists for World Wide Fund's 'One Planet City' challenge

Three areas in the Philippines have been included in the One Planet City Challenge (OPCC) of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The cities of Davao, Dipolog, and Quezon were selected among 16 qualified districts that will compete this year.

OPCC is a friendly global competition initiated by WWF to recognise cities for their climate actions and ambitions and assess whether they align with the goals set forth in the Paris Agreement in limiting climate change to 1.5 °C. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, climate change directly impacts cities and urban life. Increasing global temperatures result in rising sea levels and more extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and storms, particularly affecting coastal communities. Further, increases in the spread of vector-borne and water-borne diseases and heat-related illnesses have affected urban populations as global temperatures increase.

In case you missed it: WWF Celebrates Its 60th Year With 'Bid For Nature' Auction

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 3 Photo taken in Dipolog, Philippines (Photo: Ray Anthony Villaverde/Getty Images)
Photo 2 of 3 Photo Taken In Philippines, Quezon City (Photo: Ryan Oliver Co/Getty Images)
Photo 3 of 3 Photo taken in Quezon City, Philippines (Photo: Credit: Jay Phil Dangeros/Getty Images)

In the same report, the group said that cities are key contributors to climate change as urban activities are significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions. "An estimated 75 per cent of global CO2 emissions are from cities, with transport and buildings being among the largest contributors," the group noted.

Related: Tatler Talks Recap: What Does ‘Sustainable’ Really Mean?

Seventy Five per cent of global CO2 emissions are from cities

- United Nations Environment Programme -

Road Towards A Sustainable Future

In more modern times, some cities have become aware of their grave implications on the environment. Some have started to use renewable energy sources, implement regulations to limit industrial emissions, and institute energy efficiency measures. Many leaders have also undertaken climate actions to increase their city’s resilience with its residents and businesses adapting to the changing climate. Others have also enforced laws that help to restore and preserve the environment. 

One Planet Cities project manager for WWF-Philippines Imee Bellen hopes that more Philippine cities will participate in OPCC in the near future. “We are always welcome to showcase inspiring transformative urban solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.”

Atty Angela Ibay, head of the climate and energy programme of WWF-Philippines, also encourages citizens to help their cities boost their capacity to respond to the climate crisis. “The cities’ plans would not come to life if it wasn’t for the collective action of its residents. However, we as individuals can still make a difference on our own. Even the most trivial habits, such as reducing energy consumption, can have a long-lasting impact on the community and nature.”

The three OPCC finalists from the Philippines will be evaluated by an international jury composed of leading experts in the field of urban sustainability. The winners will be announced from May to June 2022.

NOW READ

Where to Buy Reusable Beauty Products to Start Living Sustainably

Sustainable Living 2021: 9 Eco-Friendly Lifestyle Brands We Love

11 Brands That Offer Sustainable Food Packaging, Utensils, And Accessories