French Embassy to raise awareness on climate change through art, music, and more

All roads will lead to Paris, France for the 21st Session of Conference of Parties (COP21) on Dec. 7-8 to discuss climate issues and for the conclusion of a landmark deal that limits the warming of the earth.

 

Before the main event, the Embassy of France to the Philippines is set to launch a week-long campaign in Manila to raise awareness on the effects of global warming. 

 

Dubbed "COP21: The Road to Paris Starts in Manila", the Climate Week on Oct. 5-11 features a series of activities such as conferences, art exhibits, concerts, and a bike ride organized by various non-government organizations, experts, students, educators, and artists. 

 

The upcoming Climate Week has taken inspiration from the Manila Call to Action on Climate Change, which is an appeal directed to the international community to cooperate in addressing climate change. 

 

The Manila Call to Action on Climate Change was launched by French President François Hollande, together with President Benigno Aquino III, during his state visit to the Philippines on Feb. 26.

 

"When President Hollande and President Aquino launched the Manila Call to Action last February, we recognized this as the start of the road to Paris, towards a better and more sustainable planet for future generations," said French Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Laurent Legodec in a statement.

 

But more than the initiatives of the country's leaders, Legodec stressed that the public also has a responsibility in curbing global warming.  

 

"Of course, climate change affects us all, regardless of race, religion, or generation. This is why 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, and a large part of this lies with civil society," he added.

 

Series of events 

 

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The Climate Week opens with a reception at the Alliance Française de Manille, where a photo exhibit on the environment called "Surface Tension: Perspectives on the Changing Landscape" by artists Wawi Navarroza, Veejay Villafranca, and MM Yu will be inaugurated on October 5. 

 

"When Heaven Wept" will also be premiered at the Alliance Française de Manille cinematheque. It is a film by Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chairman Briccio Santos on the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda. 

 

French films on the environment will also be shown to the public free of charge on October 6 and 7 at the Alliance française de Manille.

 

Various universities will then host conferences on COP21, climate justice, the preservation and conservation of culture and heritage, the role of media, and sustainable cities and energy transition from Oct. 6 to 8. 

 

Local artists, meanwhile, will show off their works at the Archivo 1984 Gallery and the Pineapple Lab Gallery in Makati from Oct. 6 to 10. 

 

There will also be a special exhibit "60 Solutions to Address Climate Change" by renowned French photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand, which will be open for public viewing at the Senate of the Philippines from Oct. 9 to 23, 2015. It will be inaugurated by the Summit of Conscience in the Philippines initiated by Sen. Loren Legarda.

 

There will also be a Climate Rhythms, a free concert featuring artists such as Noel Cabangon, Bayang Barrios and the Maliyagan Band, and Cooky Chua who are dedicated to the protection of the environment. The concert will be held at the Rizal Park Open-Air Auditorium on Oct. 10. 

 

"Bike to Paris" will close the Climate Week in Manila on Oct. 11. 

 

The diplomatic corps, representatives from the government, civil society, media personalities, and environmental advocates are invited to a symbolic cycling event aa show of solidarity for the climate and for the conclusion of an agreement in December. 

 

The cycling event was inspired by the move of the European diplomats based in Paris during the European Climate Diplomacy Day to bike to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in support for COP21.  — Trisha Macas/JDS, GMA News