MANILA, Philippines – The Climate Change Commission wants to involve more of the youth, local government units and business community in its campaign to make the Philippines more resilient to a changing climate. (INFOGRAPHIC: 6 ways climate change will affect PH cities)

Its initiatives in these 3 sectors will get the spotlight during Climate Change Consciousness Week 2014 to be held from November 24 to 26 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). 

Here’s what’s in store from November 24 to 26: 

Day 1, November 24 – Youth Summit 

The first day will focus on initiatives for the youth who will likely be at the forefront of the fight against climate change in the future. 

Highlights of the day include a Green Arcade with interactive games and exhibits, a talk on 10 tips to lead an eco-friendly lifestyle and speeches from youthful climate change ambassadors actor Dingdong Dantes, TV host and model Bianca Gonzales and news reporter Atom Araullo.

Registration begins at 7 am. The program will last from 8 am to 4:30 pm.

Day 2, November 25 – Local Government Units Summit

LGUs are the frontliners in efforts to address the impacts of climate change which include typhoons, storm surge and intense droughts.

Climate Change Commissioner Lucille Sering said that while the national government has climate change funds for LGUs, most LGUs don’t have the capacity to absorb the money. 

The  LGU Summit aims to equip participating LGUs with the capability and knowledge base to use funds for climate change adaptation.

Highlights include a lecture on understanding hazards, best practices in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and a session about the upcoming National Green Building Code. 

There will also be sessions focused on climate financing. The Department of Budget and Management will explain how LGUs can use their local funds to make their communities more resilient to climate change. 

The Landbank will give a session on preferential financing packages for green projects.

Registration begins at 8:30 am. The program will be from 9 am to 4 pm. 

Day 3, November 26 – Business Summit

Some businesses, such as food companies, are heavily reliant on a steady supply of clean water. But a warmer planet may mean less water. How then can business best prepare? 

Stronger typhoons due to a changing climate can also disrupt the movement of goods, affecting supply chains and delivery of products to customers.

“The business sector is also affected by climate change and we have the right resources to be able to address the impacts of climate change,” said Jess Lopez of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, one of the Commission’s partners in organizing Climate Change Consciousness Week. 

The Business Summit will include presentations by scientists on climate risk management for businesses. 

There will also be a session on how renewable energy can make businesses more sustainable and how businesses can be more energy-efficient given the looming power crisis. 

Registration of participants begins at 8 am. The program will be from 9 am to 2:30 pm. – Rappler.com

Temperature image via Shutterstock

Drought image via ShutterStock