NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Climate Activists, Faith-based Groups Call for National State of Climate Emergency
Photo courtesy of PMPI Inc.
In celebration of the Earth Day, climate activists and faith-based groups marched to the Mendiola Peace Arch in Quezon City on April 20, to challenge Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to declare a national state of climate emergency.
The groups handed over a petition containing signatures from civil society organizations urging the government to take immediate and bold action against the ongoing climate crisis.
Over 160 institutions, including dioceses, schools, parishes, and non-government organizations, have already declared a climate emergency and committed to taking concrete steps to address the issue. These groups demand that the government implements policies and programs to address the root causes of climate change, such as the swift transition to a low-carbon economy, the protection of natural habitats and ecosystems, and the adoption of just, pro-people, and sustainable economic development practices.
Yolanda Esguerra, Rights of Nature PH (RoN PH) Steering Committee Member and Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI) National Coordinator, emphasized the urgency of the situation.
She said, "We are declaring that we are now in a state of climate emergency, and we commit to doing sustained and bold actions to help slow down environmental deterioration, with sustained regenerative actions to restore ecological balance. Likewise, we shall challenge the government to declare a climate emergency and take the lead in fulfilling its mandate to protect the well-being of both nature and people, ensuring that a clear and comprehensive plan containing strategic and urgent actions are put in place to address climate change impacts."
The groups handed over a petition containing signatures from civil society organizations urging the government to take immediate and bold action against the ongoing climate crisis.
Over 160 institutions, including dioceses, schools, parishes, and non-government organizations, have already declared a climate emergency and committed to taking concrete steps to address the issue. These groups demand that the government implements policies and programs to address the root causes of climate change, such as the swift transition to a low-carbon economy, the protection of natural habitats and ecosystems, and the adoption of just, pro-people, and sustainable economic development practices.
Yolanda Esguerra, Rights of Nature PH (RoN PH) Steering Committee Member and Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI) National Coordinator, emphasized the urgency of the situation.
She said, "We are declaring that we are now in a state of climate emergency, and we commit to doing sustained and bold actions to help slow down environmental deterioration, with sustained regenerative actions to restore ecological balance. Likewise, we shall challenge the government to declare a climate emergency and take the lead in fulfilling its mandate to protect the well-being of both nature and people, ensuring that a clear and comprehensive plan containing strategic and urgent actions are put in place to address climate change impacts."
Photo courtesy of PMPI Inc.
The Citizen's Declaration of Climate Emergency is a year-long campaign initiated by the RoN PH and other civil society groups to mobilize Filipinos to take an all-of-nation approach to address the climate crisis, highlighting the responsibility and accountability of government leaders and duty bearers to respond to the crisis.
Climate justice activists also joined the call for the declaration of a climate emergency, pointing out that the poorest and most marginalized people will be the first victims of climate change.
Ian Rivera, from the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice, reiterated the need to take immediate action and demand justice from countries that are the major culprits of global warming.
The Conference of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines, Alyansa Tigil Mina, Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates, and the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development also participated in the action.
As the world faces the impending collapse of biodiversity, Fr. Tony Labiao, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Caritas Philippines Executive Secretary, urged everyone to join the call for climate action.
"We invite everyone to join us in calling out our leaders and to raise our voices for the dignity of our common home and for our future generations," Labiao said.
Climate justice activists also joined the call for the declaration of a climate emergency, pointing out that the poorest and most marginalized people will be the first victims of climate change.
Ian Rivera, from the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice, reiterated the need to take immediate action and demand justice from countries that are the major culprits of global warming.
The Conference of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines, Alyansa Tigil Mina, Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates, and the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development also participated in the action.
As the world faces the impending collapse of biodiversity, Fr. Tony Labiao, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Caritas Philippines Executive Secretary, urged everyone to join the call for climate action.
"We invite everyone to join us in calling out our leaders and to raise our voices for the dignity of our common home and for our future generations," Labiao said.
Apr 21, 2023
