Photo courtesy of PNA
Iloilo City joined the Cities Race to Zero campaign as the local government stepped up its commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen climate resilience.
Mayor Raisa Treñas signed the commitment at City Hall on Wednesday with European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Executive Director Florian Gottein and Race to Net Zero Philippines Campaign Lead Dawn Cabigon.
By joining the initiative, the city committed to work toward net-zero emissions in the 2040s or earlier, set an interim emissions target for 2030, begin implementing climate measures within a year and monitor its progress annually.
Treñas said the city would involve communities, businesses, schools and other partners in programs aimed at improving air quality, mobility, green spaces and disaster resilience.
The Cities Race to Zero campaign brings together local governments, regions and investors seeking to halve emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in support of the Paris Agreement.
The ECCP serves as the campaign’s official accelerator in the Philippines and has been working with local governments pursuing measurable emissions-reduction commitments.
Iloilo City was invited to participate following its initiatives involving active mobility, green spaces, mangrove rehabilitation, river protection, waste reduction, renewable energy, water security and community-based environmental programs.
The city government said its participation was expected to reinforce existing climate programs while supporting Iloilo’s broader push for sustainable urban development and stronger climate resilience.