THE Philippines urged countries to translate climate forecasts into early action and preparedness ahead of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), warning that intensifying El Niño conditions could compound risks to water, food, energy, health and local economies.
Climate Change Commission (CCC) Vice Chairman and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje made the call during a Pre-COP31 plenary discussion on priorities for the conference, citing a World Meteorological Organization forecast that El Niño would intensify and would persist until February 2027.
“The forecast gives us a clear warning, but also a window to prepare and respond,” Borje said. “We must build right at first sight so every investment reduces risk rather than locks it in.”
The official said climate forecasts should guide government decisions before their effects escalate, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s push for predictive governance.
For the Philippines, this means incorporating climate risk assessments into policies and investments involving agriculture, water security, public infrastructure and community livelihoods, he said.
Borje urged countries to use COP31 to support the preparation and implementation of their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), which guide their climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.
He cited the Philippines’ NDC Implementation Plan, National Adaptation Plan and National Climate Risk Management Framework as existing mechanisms for integrating climate considerations into national economic decisions.
The Philippine official called for increased and more accessible climate financing, saying current funding falls far short of developing countries’ needs.
The United Nations Environment Program estimates that developing countries will require $310 billion to $365 billion annually for adaptation by 2035.
However, international public adaptation finance for developing countries totaled only $26 billion in 2023, less than one-tenth of the estimated annual requirement.
While water and wastewater systems receive the largest sectoral share of tracked adaptation finance, Borje said the overall amount remains insufficient.
“A large share of an inadequate pool remains inadequate,” the CCC official said.
He also raised concerns over limited and poorly tracked financing for oceans, which are vital to small island developing states and archipelagic countries such as the Philippines.
Borje called for climate finance that is adequate, predictable, new, additional, scaled up and readily accessible to developing countries.
He said funding flows should be transparently measured, provided on fair terms and directed to national and local institutions responsible for implementing climate programs.
Public and concessional financing remain essential, Borje said, adding that private funding should complement rather than replace governments’ responsibilities.
He also called for faster technology transfer and capacity-building to help developing countries respond to climate risks.
Borje said the conference’s Action Agenda could help advance the goal of making COP31 an “implementation COP” by supporting practical partnerships in energy, water, oceans and resilience, while linking multi-hazard early warning systems to early action.
He said the success of the conference would ultimately depend on whether its negotiations produced agreements that reach vulnerable communities, protect lives and sustain development.
COP31 will be held in November at the Antalya Expo Center in Türkiye.
