MANILA — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) emphasized the critical role of youth in the fight against climate change during the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week Seminar held at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

As one of the most vulnerable nations to climate impacts, the Philippines continues to endure more severe typhoons, heavy rains, and destructive floods in various communities. This reality underscores the urgency of climate action and the importance of engaging the youth as future stewards of our planet.

The discussion centered on the power of collective effort and how Filipino youth can make meaningful contributions through simple actions such as reducing single-use plastics, conserving energy, and choosing eco-friendly transportation options.

Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of CCC, commended the private sector and other stakeholders for driving transformative climate action. He also lauded UPLB initiatives that conduct seminars that empower the youth and recognize them as future leaders who will shape a more sustainable world.

“This younger generation will be the future stewards of our ecological systems. It is vital to teach them the fundamentals early and help them understand their role and the impacts of climate change,” he said.

Further, the seminar explored how human activities intensify climate impacts. It also emphasized the importance of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the Nationally Determined Contribution  Implementation Plan (NDCIP), key critical frameworks developed to address these issues.

Borje explained these plans in terms that students could easily relate to and understand.  “The NAP and NDCIP are roadmaps or guides that help us adapt to climate change and reduce the harm caused by extreme weather. Our collaboration with cities, towns, and communities is key to turning these strategies into actions,” Borje said.

He also encouraged students to actively participate in discovering solutions for climate challenges. “Explore how you can contribute to efforts to solve climate challenges. Learn, get involved, and lead by example,” he concluded.

The seminar, held at the Rural Economic Development and Renewable Energy Center Auditorium in UPLB, Laguna, gathered 200 participants. University leaders in attendance included Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr., Chancellor; Roberto P. Cereno, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs; and Dr. Jennifer Marie S. Amparo, Dean of the College of Human Ecology.

For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.