Global Ideas, Local Impact: What the Philippines can learn from international sustainability laws — 2

In Part 1 of this series, we outlined 10 sustainabil ity laws that the Philippine Congress must pursue to build a greener and more resilient nation. But the Philippines need not reinvent the wheel. Around the world, countries are already making bold legislative moves to align development with sustainability and their laws offer powerful templates we can learn from.

- SHAREDVALUES RON F. JABAL

Here are seven internationally inspired sustainability laws the Philippine Congress can adapt to local needs:

1. Climate Accountability and Net-Zero Transition Act.

Inspired by: Canada's Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (2021). Canada's law sets legally binding targets for carbon neutrality by 2050. The Philippines can follow suit by mandating net-zero targets for 2050, with interim goals and annual reports to Congress.

Adaptation ideas:

Establish a Climate Accountability Council;

Require alignment of national budgets with climate goals;

Penalize non-compliance across government agencies.

2. Philippine Circular Economy and Right to Repair Act.

Inspired by: The Circular Economy laws of France and the European Union. France mandates product reparability and bans planned obsolescence. The Philippines can pass a law requiring repair-friendly product design and tax benefits for local repair ecosystems.

Potential impact:

Boost MSMEs involved in electronics and appliance repair;

Reduce e-waste and consumer costs;

Encourage product innovation with longevity in mind.