Philippines
The Philippines rises 11 places to 12th in this year’s CCPI and is now among the high-performing countries. The country’s performance is mixed across the four main CCPI categories: a high rating in GHG Emissions and Energy Use, medium in Renewable Energy, and low in Climate Policy. The Philippines performs very well in the current level indicators of the GHG Emissions and Energy Use categories, with relatively low per capita emissions of 2.29 tCO2eq, receiving a very high rating.
While the Philippines rated very low in the trend indicators in the GHG Emissions and Energy Use categories in last year’s edition, this year saw a slight improvement to low.
Experts criticise inconsistencies among climate policies
The Philippines receives a low rating in the national climate policy indicator, while the CCPI experts note numerous policies for emissions reduction in place, such as the Renewable Energy Act and Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act. In its Nationally Determined Contribution submitted in April 2021, the Philippines also committed to reducing GHG emissions by 75% by 2030 compared with 2010 levels. However, the experts criticise inconsistency among existing policies along with a lack of implementation. Though there is a moratorium on coal plant development, already approved coal plants are still being built.
New government plans to expand natural gas
The new government under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. plans to expand natural gas and encourages a shift to fossil gas. The experts therefore demand stronger implementation of the abovementioned policies to reduce GHG emissions, as well as a clear net-zero target.
The Philippines also must commit to a genuine just energy transition with a strict coal phase-out, eliminate natural gas expansion, and expand renewable energy. Additionally, policies encouraging fossil fuel divestment and increased ambition in renewable energy targets are needed.
Key Outcomes
|
CCPI experts
The following national experts agreed to be mentioned as contributors for this year’s CCPI:
- John Leo Algo (Aksyon Klima Pilipinas & Living Laudato Si’ Philippines)
