Leaders urge collaboration for green investments, climate action

Multisectoral leaders emphasized the need for collaboration in green investments to drive economic growth and tackle climate change, with the Philippine government announcing a significant increase in climate-related expenditures. DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman reported a rise from P457.4 billion in 2024 to P1.156 trillion in 2025, reflecting the government's commitment to climate finance. Concurrently, discussions highlighted the importance of private sector participation and the integration of sustainability into financial decision-making, as noted by SEC Commissioner McJill Bryant Fernandez. In China, experts note a shift from renewable energy generation to enhancing storage and distribution infrastructure, as significant investments in power generation have not been matched by funding for grid improvements, leading to wasted renewable energy. Despite ambitious clean energy goals, China's emissions for 2024 rose due to soaring energy demand and continued reliance on coal, underscoring the challenges faced in balancing growth and sustainability. The contrasting strategies of the Philippines and China highlight the complexities and urgent need for effective climate action globally.