Philippines: Government admits the nation is ‘highly vulnerable’ to climate change

Climate Ark, via Phillipine Inquirer: Admitting that the Philippines is "highly vulnerable" to climate change, the government has moved to formulate strategies to adapt to the phenomenon and seek funding for these. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said she hopes the proposal by the task force on climate change to the 1st National Conference on Climate Change Adaptation here Monday would be "the beginning of a very organized response to climate change."

"It will become a subject of discussion...and at the same time, we will also begin under the task force to implement the recommendations," Arroyo said in a chance interview here. She added the task force will work closely with the United Nations and with other agencies for funding.

…Albay Governor Joey Salceda said his province will spearhead the implementation of measures to adapt to climate change, through policies that, for example, would grant licenses and permits only to those businesses willing to adhere to these measures.

Reyes said the Department of Energy and the task force will take "decisive action" to achieve a "climate-friendly energy supply mix." He said the task force will also design adaptation responses focusing on disaster-prone areas, high-risk population centers, and food production areas. Reyes said the task force will mobilize concerned stakeholders such as car manufacturers, mall owners, appliance makers, and members of academe to take concrete steps towards making these industries environment friendly…