The 2024 summer heat wave has been nearing the country's historical peak. It has affected various areas across the Philippines with a heat index above 42ºC, falling into the danger category. The soaring heat index we are witnessing is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by climate change and global warming. Rising greenhouse gas emissions and our collective carbon footprint contribute significantly to these environmental changes, leading to these extreme temperatures. The consequences are dire: potential heatstroke, property devastation from wildfires, and harm to wildlife, livestock, and human life. This is a threat that we and future generations will continuously face.

Communities around the globe are actively fighting climate change through promoting renewable energy sources, creating green spaces, implementing effective waste management systems, and fostering environmental awareness. These initiatives compliment sustainability programs that encompass various sectors of society. These efforts underscore the critical role of non-state actors, such as corporations and businesses, which have the greatest influence on individuals and their daily routine. Employees and consumers' daily routines adapt according to company culture; small changes here will have a greater impact. An eco-friendly lifestyle on a massive scale can only be influenced through policies and large-scale business practices to turn daily routines into best practices.

This forum aims to ignite a transformative effort towards a sustainable future by bringing awareness, discussing sustainable practices, and developing eco-friendly solutions to address current environmental challenges. We will bring together industry leaders, experts, and key stakeholders from the hospitality & food, healthcare, real estate, and beyond sectors. Through dialogue and dynamic action plans, this event will equip participants with the knowledge and solutions to make their respective fields more sustainable. Our collective vision: a future where economic prosperity flourishes in harmony with a thriving planet.

We invite you to join us in shaping a more eco-friendly world. Through collective efforts and collaboration, we can all avoid such climate challenges and future catastrophes. A greener world for our future must start now. Let's reduce our carbon footprint, one step at a time.