MANILA, Philippines – The road to the landmark climate summit in Paris begins in Manila.

This is what the French embassy hopes to communicate to Filipinos from October 5 to 11 when it holds Climate Week in Manila.

Entitled “COP21: The Road to Paris Starts in Manila,” the week-long celebration aims to raise awareness on climate change and the upcoming summit through a series of events open to the public.

France is this year’s host of the United Nations 21st Conference of Parties (COP21), a gathering of diplomats and heads of state that aims to produce a global action plan to combat climate change. (READ: What’s happening in Paris in December? 10 things to know)

Climate Week hopes to bring the topic of climate change, perceived as highly-technical or complicated by most, to the masses.

“The conclusion of this climate agreement should not only be in the hands of heads of state and policymakers. Everyone should do their part in raising awareness and contributing to discussions on the climate,” said French embassy deputy head of mission Laurent Legodec during a September 24 press briefing.

During the week, the public can look forward to free art and photo exhibits, film showings, a concert, a series of talks, and on the last day, a mass bike ride. 

Actor and National Youth Commission Commissioner-at-Large Dingdong Dantes encourages the public to be part of the celebrations.

“Attending one of these [events] will really open their minds to more possibilites so they  know how else they can contribute. They are presenting very fun activities, like the bike ride, concert, film-showing. So the menu is wide enough for many to participate. That’s the challenge for everybody, to be involved,” he said.

Dantes said he would likely be joining the mass bike ride on October 11.

Art for climate

To jumpstart the week, a reception, photo exhibit, and film-showing will be held at the Alliance Francaise de Manille on October 5. The photo exhibit, “Surface Tension,” will showcase photos of the environment by artists Wawi Navarroza, Veejay Villafrance, and MM Yu. 

Here is the complete schedule of events:

A film about the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan), directed by Briccio Santos, will be shown as well.

From October 6 to 8, the public can listen in on conferences about a variety of climate-linked topics: climate justice, sustainable cities, energy transition, culture and heritage, climate change journalism, and COP21. To join, you can register by emailing ClimateWeekPH@gmail.com.

Art takes center-stage in art exhibits in two Makati galleries from October 6 to 10. On those days, head to Archivo 1984 Gallery and the Pineapple Lab Gallery for artworks all about climate action. Artists who wish to participate can email map4climate@gmail.com.

Film aficionados may want to drop by the Alliance Francaise de Manille from October 6 to 7 to watch French films about the environment.

Another art exhibit, this time featuring the work of renowned French photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand will be open to the public from October 9 to 23 at the Senate of the Philippines. Entitled “60 Solutions to Climate Change,” it showcases photos of concrete and innovative ways to fight climate change.

Opportunity for unified action

If you’re a fan of the French-organized Fete dela Musique, you may want to check out the free concert Climate Rythms at the Rizal Park Open-air Auditorium on October 10.

Co-organized with Dakila, it will feature local artists with environmental advocacies. As of posting, the line-up of artists has not yet been finalized. But Cabangon, a member of Dakila, said the group will try to get as many member artists as possible on board. Dakila artists include Radio Active Sago Project and Armi Millare of Up Dharma Down. 

Other events includes an Open-Mic for the Climate, French poetry-writing contest, and even a climate debate invitational.

The jam-packed week will culminate with a symbolic bike ride on October 11. The public is invited to bike with government officials, diplomats, and celebrities from Kilometer Zero in Rizal Park to the SM Mall of Asia Globe. 

Cimate Change Commissioner and Secretary Lucille Sering says the exciting week is one way to show the other side of climate change, as a chance to unite and empower people.

“Climate change is not just about disaster it’s about opportunities.” – Rappler.com

For more information, check the French Embassy’s Facebook page as Climate Week approaches.