The Net Zero Carbon Alliance (NZCA) holds its 2024 conference with the theme “Strengthening Resilience: Scaling the Philippine Private Sector’s Net Zero Ambitions” at The Fifth at Rockwell, Makati City, on Thursday, September 19.
The event focuses on achieving Philippine net zero through climate-friendly innovations, encouraging companies to reduce carbon emissions and attract sustainable investments through key partnerships.
Allan Barcena, executive director of the NZCA, said in his opening message that the essence of the conference is coming up together with corporate leaders, policymakers, and climate advocates to discuss the urgent challenge of achieving net zero emissions, emphasizing the three (3) important aspects of the conference.
“‘Regeneration, Decarbonization, and Collaboration.’ Collaboration is the other letter C that I would like to highlight. Collaboration is a force for good. It’s not just about working together to achieve a common goal. Collaboration drives innovation, builds trust, and most of all, elevates our impact,” Barcena said.
He also adds the progress given by NZCA partner companies in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Of the 32 companies in the alliance, 12 have already adopted the Net Zero Gateway to trace and make their emissions manageable.
Emphasizing that some partners have seen significant reductions, with one company achieving a 35 percent cut in Scope 1 emissions and another reducing Scope 2 emissions by 56 percent. On which successes demonstrate the potential for the collective efforts of NZCA members to make tangible contributions toward net zero goals.
“As of today, 12 partners are actively using our Net Zero Gateway to track and manage their collective GHG emissions. For Scope 1 emissions, 3 partners have successfully reduced their footprint, with the highest reduction reaching 35 percent. On Scope 2, 5 partners achieved reductions, with one partner cutting emissions by an impressive 56 percent. In Scope 3, 4 partners have begun their calculations, with the highest reduction so far at 10 percent,” Barcena furthered.
Consequences of human activities
Federico Lopez, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of First Philippine Holdings Corporation, emphasized the results of the ongoing climate crisis that humans are currently facing. As climate change continues, the world experiences severe waves, wildfires, and catastrophic storms. He then shared that the years 2023 and 2024 are the highest recorded temperatures in history.
And the events mentioned are becoming more frequent, detrimental to both ecosystems and human life.
“We’re all aware that 2023 was a harsh year for our planet. It was the hottest year on historical record by a substantial margin of +0.15°C over the previous high set in 2016, and it’s most likely the hottest year in the last 100,000 years. However, with many parts of the globe having just experienced their hottest summer on record these last few months, 2024 is well on its way to becoming the hottest year ever,” Lopez shared.
As Lopez shared the harmful effects of climate change, he then suggested an outline for a clear three-phase strategy for reaching net zero emissions by 2050. He begins with strictly cutting greenhouse gas emissions, followed by achieving Net Zero, and eventually going beyond to reduce atmospheric carbon levels.
“While addressing the climate crisis feels such a daunting task, we remain optimistic and encouraged as we see a myriad of sectors of society coming together and taking collective action. Our mission ‘to forge collaborative pathways to a decarbonized and regenerative future’ continues to guide our path, and we reaffirm our commitment to work together with all stakeholders, including the Net Zero Carbon Alliance, to rally more businesses and organizations across all sectors to achieve our Net Zero ambition,” he stressed.
Bamboo for a greener future
Also present in the conference to deliver his closing message is Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, vice chair of the Climate Change Commission, who said that although the Philippines has a small contribution to global emissions, he pointed out the importance of the active role of the country in addressing climate change.
Borje stressed the importance of sustainable investment and innovation, particularly in sectors like energy, transportation, and agriculture. He said that the progress made in the cement industry, moving towards low-carbon production methods, is an important step in reducing emissions across various sectors.
“Beyond cement production, we are also moving towards the decarbonization of other carbon-intensive industrial processes. The shift to cleaner energy sources and technologies and investments in industrial innovation will be essential in lowering emissions across these sectors,” Borje shared.
Additionally, Borje said that the transition to a low-carbon economy presents significant opportunities for growth and job creation, especially through renewable energy initiatives and green innovations.
The use of bamboo as a sustainable material that can sequester carbon, offering environmental and economic benefits as for the role of nature-based solutions and decarbonization in the industrial process.
“We are also championing nature-based solutions (NBS), such as the use of bamboo. Bamboo not only offers a sustainable material for construction and other uses but also acts as a powerful carbon sink, helping to sequester carbon dioxide. The bamboo industry has significant potential to provide green jobs and livelihoods while contributing to our climate goals,” he furthered.
Borje seeks sustained efforts and collaboration across all sectors to secure the successful implementation of climate policies. He expresses hope that, despite the challenges occurring, the collective actions taken by the government, private sector, and other stakeholders can lead the way for a more resilient, sustainable, and low-carbon future for the Philippines.
The conference was part of the NZCA third anniversary, which was attended by private sectors, private companies, leaders from business, government, and climate-related sectors, as well as media partners, including BicoldotPH, which was invited to participate in the discussions on important matters regarding the climate.
NZCA is an organization of the Philippine private companies that aims to achieve net zero emissions. I Alliah Jane Babila
