21 Nov 2016
21-Nov-2016
Source: ASEAN Secretariat News
ASEAN reaffirms commitment to solve climate change issue
MARRAKECH, 21 November 2016 – Climate change has caused major environmental problems and natural disasters for the region in recent years. Such phenomena include flood, drought, extreme weather patterns, and most importantly, the increasing trans-boundary haze pollution problem that breaks out from unusually dry climate. ASEAN Secretariat, together with all ASEAN Member States attended the annual UN Climate Summit or the UNFCCC COP22 in Marrakech, Morocco from 7-18 November 2016 to reaffirm its commitment to solve climate change issue.
The ASEAN Joint Statement on climate change adopted by ASEAN Leaders at the last Summit was delivered. The statement urged all parties to the UNFCCC to recognize the extreme vulnerability of ASEAN Member States to climate change. The Roadmap on “ASEAN Cooperation towards Trans-boundary Haze Pollution Control with Means of Implementation,” affirming the region’s committed action, was showcased at ASEAN Member States’ pavilions.
ASEAN is committed to reducing the level of emissions, and promoting the sustainable urban development and cities. ASEAN organised the side event on “Sustainable Cities – Experiences and lessons learned in ASEAN Member States,” held at Thailand Pavilion, attended by the Thai Environment Minister.
At Japan Pavilion, ASEAN spoke at the forum “Climate Change Capacity Building – Roles and challenges of regional training center.” ASEAN offered its views on how the regional organisation, particularly from climate-prone area consisting mainly of developing nations, could provide support on capacity building to its Member States in tackling the climate issue.
Currently, six ASEAN Member States have submitted their instruments of ratification to the historic Paris Agreement that entered into force on 4 November 2016. The implementation and all of its action plans were discussed during the COP22 session, confirming the region’s strong will in solving one of the world’s most pressing issues.
Link to ASEAN Joint Statement on Climate Change.
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