“COP28 is expected to deliver clear agreements on fossil fuel phase out, on the targets for the acceleration of renewable energy development“
Civil society groups in the Philippines are preparing mobilizations in key cities today as part of more than 300 global to demand urgent climate action while governments are meeting at the 28th Conference of Parties or COP28 in Dubai.
Thousands of members of grassroots movements, faith-based groups, non-government organizations and multi-sectoral alliances will converge in Quezon City.
Simultaneous actions will also be held in at least 55 areas across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The rallyists said they aim to contribute to the “chorus of global voices” putting pressure on governments and decision-makers as COP28 enters its crucial days of negotiations in Dubai.
We feel civil society “must escalate pressure to compel governments at the COP28 negotiations to take forward real solutions to the climate crisis.”
Shge said: “Governments have been failing to fulfill their duties to take urgent action to solve one of the greatest crises threatening the survival of people and communities all over the world.
“We are especially demanding the governments of the world’s wealthiest countries – the Global North – who have contributed the most to the problem of climate change to stop evading their responsibilities.
“They present themselves as climate champions yet continue to support the expansion of the fossil fuel industry and promote false solutions that create more harm.
“They refuse to fully deliver on their obligations to provide climate finance for developing countries — the Global South — as part of their fair share of climate solutions and reparations for climate impacts.”
Joining the APMDD-led demonstrations are the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice, Ecological Justice Interfaith Movement, Oriang Women’s Movement, Sanlakas, Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino, Laudato Si Movement Pilipinas, Task Force Detainees of the Philippines;
Kilusang Mayo Uno , K4K, Zone One Tondo Organization, Aniban ng Manggagawa sa Agrikultura, Alyansa Tigil Mina, Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates, Freedom from Debt Coalition, PS Link, Kongreso ng Pagkakaisa ng Maralita sa Lungsod, Partido Lakas ng Masa, 350.Org;
Youth Advocates for Climate Action-Philippines, Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan, Save Philippines, Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc., and National Congress of Labor.
Representatives from religious groups such the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, Caritas Philippines and its Social Action Centers, and the Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines will also be joining the actions.
Their support will be symbolized by the ringing of church bells across the country to inform and invite their congregations to join the important Global Day of Action for Climate Justice.
Ian Rivera, national coordinator of PMCJ, said “The Philippines and all countries must urgently and rapidly undertake an equitable and just transition away from fossil fuels towards 100 percent renewable energy systems, while empowering and enabling communities to build resilience in the face of intensifying impacts of global warming and climate change.
“The world’s wealthiest biggest polluter-countries must deliver climate finance for this transition, as well as for adaptation and resilience building measures in the Global South. And in addition, pay reparations for the loss and damage suffered by people and communities.”
COP28 is expected to deliver clear agreements on fossil fuel phase out, on the targets for the acceleration of renewable energy development, on just transition programs, and the scaling up of climate finance delivery including pledges for the Loss and Damage Fund.
Lawyer Aaron Pedrosa, secretary-general of Sanlakas, pointed out: “The Philippine government is not exempt from obligations to solve the climate crisis. We don’t need false solutions like fossil gas, ammonia co-firing, and nuclear energy when we can and should transition directly into renewable energy.
“We’ve already proven that it works. It’s up to the government to follow up with policies that ensure the welfare of communities and manage the phaseout of fossil fuels during this transition.”
The actions in the Philippines and around the globe are calling for “system change to prevent catastrophic climate change.”
(The author is coordinator of Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development.)
