Philippines urged to adopt net-zero pledge as decarbonization takes center stage at NAST scientific meeting
manilatimes.netFilipino scientist Raymond Girard Tan called on the Philippines to adopt a formal net-zero emissions pledge during the 48th Annual Scientific Meeting of the National Academy of Science and Technology. Tan, co-developer of carbon emissions pinch analysis, noted that the Philippines and Timor-Leste are the only ASEAN countries without a net-zero target. The country's greenhouse gas emissions reached 204.33 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent in 2020. Tan highlighted a collaborative project with Malaysia, the UK, and Japan using systems engineering and simulation software to model decarbonization strategies that reduce emissions while maintaining affordable energy access. DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. also reaffirmed the agency's commitment to evidence-based science solutions for national challenges. The meeting focused on energy decarbonization with universal access as a key theme.