Philippines Advocates for Climate Action at COP31 in Turkey

ANTALYA, Turkey — The Philippines is actively advocating for enhanced access to climate financing and technology transfer at the ongoing 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, as the nation seeks international support to meet its ambitious emission reduction targets and safeguard vulnerable communities from the adverse effects of climate change.

Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna, who leads the Philippine delegation, emphasized that for millions of Filipino families, climate change is not a distant concern but a pressing reality that jeopardizes their livelihoods, homes, and safety. “As we head into COP31, the Philippines is working towards building constructive international partnerships that back ambitious climate pledges with predictable, accessible financial and technical support so that local communities receive the protection they urgently need,” Cuna stated.

The Philippine delegation has articulated five core negotiating priorities, which include linking emission reduction commitments with financing and technology transfer, securing grant-based funding for climate adaptation, and simplifying access to disaster assistance. The country aims to reaffirm its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent by 2035, with 7 percent unconditional and the remaining 68 percent contingent on international support.

“For millions of Filipino families, climate change is not a distant policy debate—it is an everyday reality affecting their livelihoods, homes, and safety.”Juan Miguel Cuna, Environment Secretary

At the conference, which runs until November 20, nearly 100 world leaders and over 300 ministers from 196 countries are participating, alongside thousands of researchers. This year’s COP is notable for its dual leadership structure, with Turkish Environment Minister Murat Kurum and Australian Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen steering the discussions.

The Philippines is also focusing on ocean-related issues, aligning its agenda with the demands of neighboring Pacific island nations. Cuna highlighted the need for urgent climate finance disbursements for adaptation and rapid response policies for loss and damage. The delegation is advocating for the adoption of the Antalya Ocean Declaration and stronger commitments from developed nations to support ocean and coastal communities.

“The Philippines calls for urgent climate finance disbursements for adaptation alongside rapid response policies for loss and damage,” Cuna remarked, underlining the necessity of immediate action in light of the increasing threats posed by climate change.

In addition, the Philippine Pavilion at COP31 features policy dialogues and technical briefings centered on the theme “Build. Better. Together.” Delegates are showcasing homegrown tracking platforms that utilize satellite remote sensing and geographic information systems to monitor the country’s carbon sinks and marine resources. The National Carbon Registry and the Shared Seas marine protection initiative are among the tools being highlighted.

“COP31's success should not be measured by the number of new commitments, but by whether conditions are created for existing ambition to become real action.”Noel M. Novicio, Philippine Ambassador to Fiji

As the summit progresses, the Philippines aims to secure a four- to five-year extension of the Sharm el-Sheikh Mitigation Work Programme to strengthen the connection between emission targets, financing, and technology transfer. Cuna noted that exceeding the 1.5-degree Celsius warming threshold could lead to severe consequences for Southeast Asian archipelagos, including intensified storm surges and biodiversity loss.

With the current El Niño weather pattern contributing to rising global temperatures, the urgency for effective climate action is palpable. The World Meteorological Organization has reported that the past 12 years have been the warmest on record, and 2026 is projected to be among the hottest years ever measured.

“COP31's success should not be measured by the number of new commitments, but by whether conditions are created for existing ambition to become real action, real investments, real emissions reductions, and better development outcomes for our people,” said Philippine Ambassador to Fiji Noel M. Novicio during earlier discussions at the Pacific Pre-COP31.