May 2, 2024
The event organized by the Office of Senate President Pro-Tempore Loren Legarda and the Climate Change Commission (CCC), in partnership with The Climate Reality Project Philippines, featured esteemed women leaders spearheading the fight against climate change in the country and beyond.
“In the face of adversity, women leaders have proven to be relentless and nurturing leaders, just like our Filipina Changemakers. We aim to put a spotlight on them and their work to drive powerful change in this era of the climate crisis,” said CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera.
The forum caps off a hot Earth Month, with Filipinos experiencing record-high heat indexes. As much as the rising temperatures are felt by everyone, the impact across the board is not equal. In fact, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) reported that ‘climate change impacts women differently than men’.
“[Reports submitted for the study] highlighted that the adverse effects of drought, floods, hurricanes, extreme rainfall events, and sea level rise are often felt more keenly by women than men as a result of systemic gender discrimination and societal expectations related to gender roles,” an excerpt from the research reads.
“Throughout history, women have been at the forefront of ecological protection and sustainability- from grassroots activists to policymakers, women have played pivotal roles in championing sustainable goals and policies that promote resilience. [Women environment advocates] prove that gender is not a barrier in leadership positions and that women have a unique perspective to offer.”
- Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda
“Women in vulnerable communities who are bearing the brunt of climate change are excluded at times from decision-making and leadership roles. We must instead empower these climate actors, give them access to education and resources, and ensure that they are heard and their contributions valued,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Legarda.
Climate Reality Leader Peachie Dioquino-Valera moderated a short panel discussion with three outstanding environment advocates: climate scientist Dr. Abigail Faye Cruz, Head of Regional Climate Systems Laboratory at Manila Observatory and Lead Author of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group I Reports for Sixth Assessment Report; social artist Desiree Llanos Dee, Co-founder of Tofu Creatives; and policy analyst Danica Marie Supnet, Director for Climate Policy at the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities.
The diversity of expertise from the speakers showcases the ability of women to take charge of the climate emergency on all fronts. From science and art to policy making, the featured advocates are trailblazers in their own right.
“[Because women and girls are more vulnerable to climate change than men] it’s very important that they are given access to resources, knowledge, and skills so they could reduce this vulnerability.”
- Dr. Abigail Faye Cruz
“[Our illustrations] make people feel seen and heard. At the heart of what we do is really deep listening- and when you listen to people, we understand each other better. And when we understand each other better, it becomes clear what we can do together.”
- Ms. Desiree Dee
Drawing from their experiences as women scientists, advocates, and artists in the movement, the speakers highlighted the critical role women and girls can play in addressing the climate emergency.
“We need to make sure that all the sectors are involved because at the end of the day, the data is not ours, but it’s theirs. It’s really important that they’re part of the [development process] at the inception.”
- Ms. Danica Marie Supnet
Mariel Prion, a young Climate Reality Leader from Rizal, expressed her appreciation of the arts as a tool of climate expression.
“Art gives a voice to those who create it; and as we deal with the worsening effects of the climate crisis, women across the Philippines utilized [the arts] to record and share their climate stories as we continue to redefine our human experience amidst a changing climate,” said Prion.
This exhibit has made its rounds across the globe, gracing the side events of the UN Climate Change Conferences in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in December 2023 and the Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC early this month.
