Author: climaterealityph

The Call of Filipino Youth: Climate Justice and True Solidarity at COP28

Post author By climaterealityph
Post date November 30, 2023

The Call of Filipino Youth: Climate Justice and True Solidarity at COP28

November 30, 2023

Justice delayed is justice denied.

Last year, COP27 ended with a historical victory: a landmark agreement on a Loss and Damage Fund that has been advocated by vulnerable countries for decades [1].

As developed countries avoided accountability for over thirty years, vulnerable countries increasingly suffered the unavoidable risks of climate change that constitute Loss and Damage. The Philippines, which has contributed less than 1% of global emissions, suffered in the last decade the most powerful tropical cyclones at landfall in history [2]. The strongest, Supertyphoon Goni, affected over two million people – 700,000 of whom were children [3]. Just two (2) weeks later, Supertyphoon Vamco struck and left over 5.18 million people impacted and over PhP20 billion (USD360.67 million) in damages [4]. However, the damages we cannot quantify are far greater: the loss of a loved one or the culture and sense of belonging tied to a hometown no longer habitable.

This perpetual state of calamity is the lived reality, the new normal, of developing countries that suffer the brunt of the crisis they have contributed the least to and have the least resources to cope with. Meanwhile, over half of all carbon emissions can be attributed to just 23 developed countries [5] that continue to delay true climate action.

The behavior developed countries have consistently negotiated with is an insult not only to Loss and Damage, but also to the very spirit of solidarity upon which the Paris Agreement was built. With every attempt to evade responsibility, developed countries are looking at the plight of vulnerable communities, the diminishing future of today’s youth, and the loss of life on earth as we know it, and saying: let them suffer.

Pakistan Climate Minister Sherry Rehman stated, “The establishment of a fund is not about dispensing charity. It is clearly a downpayment on the longer investment in our shared futures.” [6] More than that, it is a downpayment on the climate justice we are owed.

COP28 must ratify the agreement on Loss and Damage, establish clarity on its implementation, and ensure its swift activation, lest it share the fate of past climate “commitments”. Take for example adaptation finance for developing countries, which falls five to ten times below estimated needs [7]. Or, to take it back to basics, Nationally Determined Contributions: the present pledges of national governments put the world on track for 2.5C, catastrophically above the 1.5C target and a death sentence for millions [8].

Without the means and will for implementation, targets and agreements are just words.

We, the Filipino youth, urge World Leaders at COP 28 to:

Uphold climate justice by ensuring those most responsible for the climate crisis also contribute most, holding accountable both countries and corporations.
Ensure the Loss and Damage Fund is inclusive of all vulnerable countries suffering from climate loss and damage, and not restricted to just the world’s Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States.
Protect vulnerable countries by establishing that Loss and Damage constitutes both sudden-onset catastrophes, such as flooding and wildfires, and slow-onset impacts, such as sea-level rise and drought.
Integrate just transition principles into the implementation of the Loss and Damage Fund, ensuring that affected communities and workers have access to support, retraining, and new sustainable economic opportunities.
Ensure funding arrangements are quickly accessible and responsive to the various types of Loss and Damage.
Ensure that Loss and Damage finance is not diverted or relabeled from adaptation.
Close the Climate Finance Gap by urging developed countries to abide by the decisions of COP26 and double their collective provision of adaptation finance to developing countries by 2025 [9, 10].
Anchor in climate justice the discussions on the New Collective Quantified Goal for climate finance that is set to be adopted in 2024.

Make no mistake: the Loss and Damage Fund is crucial to the survival of vulnerable countries in a warming world. However, it will mean nothing in the end if we do not keep alive the target of 1.5C. It is not lost on us that COP27 allowed the world’s biggest plastic polluter to be a sponsor and COP28 takes it one step further by appointing an oil tycoon as no less than the COP President.

We must never forget the root cause of the climate crisis: fossil fuels. The UN’s 2023 Production Gap Report shows governments still plan to produce more than double the amount of fossil fuels in 2030 that would be consistent with limiting warming to 1.5C [11]. Despite shiny promises of net zero, top fossil fuel producers plan even more extraction. We must expedite the just and sustainable energy transition and halt these fossil fuel expansion plans from ever rolling out.

We welcome the first Global Stocktake set for this year’s COP, which will force us to take a long, hard look at where we are — which is nowhere near meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement. As such, we assert that the evaluation of the global stocktake should be a recurring, integral part of every COP, as its insights can be used to recalibrate strategies, utilizing the best available science, and to ensure accountability. While the Global Stocktake is a significant initiative, the urgency of climate action demands continuous monitoring and assessment. Its current frequency of every five (5) years may not suffice to maintain the momentum needed for impactful solutions. More frequent tracking and reporting within shorter time periods would better drive consistent and accelerated progress. Commitment to transparency in reporting must be a cornerstone to ensure that the true state of the climate crisis is not downplayed and everyone has an accurate understanding of the progress made and the challenges that persist. Above all, insights gained from these assessments should not merely serve as calls to action but must evolve into concrete legislative and implementation measures.

Keep the 1.5°C alive. We are building up only to burn back down if we don’t put out the fire.

Every COP is starting to feel like a rescue mission for 1.5C, a perpetual effort of resuscitation for humanity and for a planet on life support, but we keep the hope alive that the day will come when we truly begin to recover and strengthen, and all can live life beautifully. Until that day, we fight – for history has its eyes on us.

Through every age history has known, the youth have always been the world’s moral arbiters. We will speak truth to power. No matter the roadblocks placed in front of us, we will continue to show up. We implore world leaders to do the same. Show up at COP28 and every day with the spirit of solidarity and hope that drives us. Only then can we attain a sustainable and just world for all.

***

CO-SIGNATORIES

References:

Decision 2/CP.27
Masters, J. (2020, November 1). Super Typhoon Goni slams into Philippines as strongest landfalling tropical cyclone on record. Yale Climate Connections. https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2020/11/super-typhoon-goni-slams-into-philippines-as-strongest-landfalling-tropical-cyclone-on-record/
Noriega, R. (2020, November 3). Over 700,000 children among most affected by ‘Rolly’ – UNICEF. Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2020/11/03/over-700000-children-among-most-affected-by-rolly-unicef/
National Disaster Risk and Management Council. Sitrep No. 29 re Preparedness Measures and Effects for Typhoon “ULYSSES” (I.N. VAMCO). Quezon City: NDRRMC; 2021.
Popovich, N. & Plumer, B. (2021, November 12). Who Has The Most Historical Responsibility for Climate Change? The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/11/12/climate/cop26-emissions-compensation.html
Associated Press (2022, November 19). Quote Box: Reaction to UN climate deal on historic fund. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/business-climate-and-environment-1a5208b94b382d00e58c18537047864d
United Nations Environment Programme (2023). Adaptation Gap Report 2023: Underfinanced. Underprepared. Inadequate investment and planning on climate adaptation leaves world exposed. 2023 United Nations Environment Programme. https://doi.org/10.59117/20.500.11822/43796
United Nations Environment Programme (2023). Emissions Gap Report 2023: Broken Record – Temperatures hit new highs, yet world fails to cut emissions (again). 2023 United Nations Environment Programme. https://doi.org/10.59117/20.500.11822/43922.
Decision 1/CMA.3
Decision 1/CMA.4.
SEI, Climate Analytics, E3G, IISD, and UNEP. (2023). The Production Gap: Phasing down or phasing up? Top fossil fuel producers plan even more extraction despite climate promises. Stockholm Environment Institute, Climate Analytics, E3G, International Institute for Sustainable Development and United Nations Environment Programme. https://doi.org/10.51414/sei2023.050

climate activism, climate crisis, COP28, youth

Latest News & Stories

09Mar

Climate Reality PH’s Project Niche empowers Pangasinan youth to solve the plastic crisis

11Feb

GEOP amendments help hospitals power “care” with renewable energy

27Jan

Climate Reality PH holds renewable energy conference, proposes amendments to Green Energy Option Program

Tags climate activism, climate crisis, COP28, youth

Eleventh Hour at the Manila Bulletin

Eleventh Hour: Finding hope in grassroots climate action ahead of COP28

Post author By climaterealityph
Post date November 25, 2023

Stuttgart, Germany - 03-25-2023: Person holding cellphone with web page of UN climate change conference COP28 (Dubai) on screen in front of logo. Focus on center of phone display. Unmodified photo.

Eleventh Hour: Finding hope in grassroots climate action ahead of COP28

By Keith Ancheta

November 25, 2023

Paris promised, so Marrakech must deliver. Oh, maybe Bonn, or Katowice, or Madrid will deliver. Oops, let’s try this again. Paris promised, and Glasgow will deliver. Still, no? Okay, Sharm El-Sheikh will deliver. Okay, maybe this time we’ll get it right; Dubai must deliver.

It seems like the world is stuck in an endless loop of setting promises without taking action. Eight years after 192 countries agreed to stop global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the world is still far from making this a reality.

Ever since the Paris Agreement was put into force more than half a decade ago, the world is heading toward exceeding 2 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, overshooting 1.5 before the middle of this century. Exceeding this temperature goal means that climate impacts will worsen, both in frequency and magnitude, putting the most vulnerable population at an even higher risk. Moreover, even if all countries implement their climate targets, that’s still not enough to get us to where we should be.

And yet, countries act as if they are doing enough. Every chance they could get, during international climate events, such as those organized by the United Nations, governments around the world parade their so-called ambitious climate commitments, especially the developed countries. They say they plan to get to net zero emissions between 2040-2060, provide climate finance, or assist developing countries in adapting to the impacts of climate change. Pretty ambitious, eh? But when you look at these pronouncements more closely, they’re nothing but empty promises.

Did they say that they plan to get to net zero? Sure, but they will continue increasing their emissions this decade and just deal with emissions reduction later. Climate finance and support to developing countries? Go ahead, but most of these will be in terms of loans, allowing these already rich countries — which, by the way, got rich because of exploiting the resources and the people of developing countries — to profit off of the suffering of developing countries.

Do you see how absurd these things are?

This year, 2023, marks the first checkpoint we have to assess the actions each country is doing vis-à-vis the goals of the Paris Agreement. A synthesis report from the Global Stocktake Technical Dialogue revealed that we’re not close to reaching any of our goals, may it be in Mitigation, Adaptation, or Means of Implementation, including finance. And this is no news; the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) synthesis reports, published by the UN Climate Change Secretariat, show that countries’ climate commitments are insufficient.

Disturbingly enough, the current climate commitments show that we will even increase our emissions by 2030, completely ignoring the suggestion of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on 1.5 to decrease global emissions to half by 2030.

Now, we’re days away from COP28, which will happen in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It’s funny enough that the CEO of the state-owned fossil fuel company is at the helm of this COP. Just a few days before writing this piece, a new report showed that fossil fuel-producing countries plan to “produce around 110 percent more fossil fuels in 2030 than would be consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C, and 69 percent more than would be consistent with 2°C.”

So, where do we find agency in times like this? How do we remain hopeful when the world around us is looking more and more bleak?

We find agency from each other. If not us, then who?

Despite these absurdities, climate activists, youth leaders, and local leaders are pursuing actions toward addressing the climate crisis. There are people tirelessly pushing for solutions from the ground up to halt emissions and help communities adapt to the impacts of this crisis. It’s not just because people, especially those from the most vulnerable countries and sectors of society, are fighting for their survival. But also because people want to reshape the world, transform it, and make it a place where people will thrive, a world that is climate resilient, low carbon, and anchored on climate justice and equity.

As a young person, it is indeed frustrating to see the “progress” the world is having. But seeing how people drive climate action from the ground inspires us to continue fighting for a better world. Our home, the climate movement, is our fountain of hope. The people in it are rays of sunshine, providing light in this seemingly dark world.

Quoting Rebecca Solnit, “To hope is to give yourself to the future, and that commitment to the future makes the present inhabitable.” I invite everyone to remain hopeful despite the current circumstances. Yes, it may be difficult, but it’s not impossible. Let’s transform our grief, anger, and frustrations into a force that will drive us toward making this world a better place for everyone. And if you are still asking where to get that hope . . .

We are each other’s hope.

***

ABOUT THIS AUTHOR

Keith Sigfred Ancheta is a climate advocate, communicator, and stubborn optimist. He volunteers as one of the youth coordinators of the Climate Reality Project Philippines and co-leads projects on youth empowerment, climate policymaking, and capacity development. In 2021, he became a mentor for the global training of the Climate Reality Leadership Corps. He is a researcher-educator by training and profession, finishing his Bachelor of Secondary Education (Biological Sciences) in 2019 at Saint Louis University and his Master of Science in Microbiology at the University of the Philippines Diliman in 2023. He currently works as a technical associate of Parabukas.

ABOUT ELEVENTH HOUR

This article was originally published on Manila Bulletin.

Eleventh Hour at the Manila Bulletin serves a digital space to discuss our organization’s work on supporting the country’s just transition into a clean, affordable, and self-sufficient energy system; advancing sustainable urban mobility to highlight the issues of equity and democracy; and raising public awareness about the need to phase out single-use plastics. It also serves as a platform for Pinoy Climate Reality Leaders to share your stories, promote your climate initiatives, and provide critical insights to issues that matter to climate action, environmental protection, and sustainable development.

climate action, COP28

Latest News & Stories

09Mar

Climate Reality PH’s Project Niche empowers Pangasinan youth to solve the plastic crisis

11Feb

GEOP amendments help hospitals power “care” with renewable energy

27Jan

Climate Reality PH holds renewable energy conference, proposes amendments to Green Energy Option Program

Tags climate action, COP28

Press Releases

Quezon City, Iloilo, and Baguio recognized as the Philippines’ most bicycle-friendly cities of 2023

Post author By climaterealityph
Post date November 24, 2023

Quezon City, Iloilo, and Baguio recognized as the Philippines’ most bicycle-friendly cities of 2023

November 24, 2023

Quezon City—The cities of Quezon City, Iloilo, and Baguio were hailed as this year’s most bicycle-friendly cities in the Philippines, according to the Mobility Awards, as it concludes its third run.

“Being the most bicycle-friendly city in the Philippines is a testament to our commitment to promote and encourage cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation,” said General Elmo San Diego, head of the Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety, on behalf of Mayor Joy Belmonte upon receiving the Gold rating today during the Mobility Awards awarding ceremony. “While some define traffic as moving vehicles from one point to another, Quezon City defines traffic as moving people from one point to another. On a daily basis, we have 16,000 cyclists using our lanes; [this is the reason] we hope to improve even more.“

This year marks the third installment of the Mobility Awards, and the first time that all Philippine cities competed, including Metro Manila. The previous round of the Awards, held in 2021, focused on cities outside the metro.

Joining Quezon City recognized as the country’s most bicycle-friendly cities are Iloilo City – who was also recognized by the Mobility Awards as one of the overall most bicycle-friendly cities in 2021 – claiming second place with a Gold rating, and Baguio, bagging third with a Silver rating.

“The progress in terms of bicycle infrastructure and programs in cities, offices, and establishments are more prominent this year. The one-year gap in 2022 provided us a good picture of these developments,” said Mobility Awards National Coordinator Arielle Celine Tabinga.

The Medical City in Pasig City and the main office of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in Pasay City – who were also recognized in 2020 – bagged the Gold rating, while the Cebu IT Park, who was also an awardee in 2021, bagged the Silver rating as this year’s most bicycle-friendly workplaces in the country.

The most bicycle-friendly large commercial establishments are Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City who received the Gold rating, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, and Megaworld Iloilo Business Park in Iloilo City who both received a Silver rating.

For stand-alone businesses, the awardees are Magdamag Cafe in Quezon City and Kape Urban in Mandaluyong City who both rated Silver, as well as Natoy’s Best Bibingka and Kakanin in Davao City who rated Bronze.

“We don’t take it lightly as a business; we are very honored,” said Raymundo Angelo Magsikap de Guzman of Magdamag Cafe in Quezon City, who won first place as the country’s most bicycle-friendly stand-alone establishment. “We cannot accept this award without acknowledging the community that meets us halfway in everything we do: thank you so much, and as long as we are around, you will always have a place with us.”

“The results this year showed that previous Mobility Awards winners should not become complacent, the challenge is to sustain their mobility initiatives, improve infrastructure, and persistently enhance their active transport plans and programs. They should continue to step up by providing more inclusive, accessible, and safer transportation to all Filipinos,” Tabinga said.

The Awards also recognized individual cyclists through the Padyak Power to the People! categories. Delivery riders Sarah Francesca Aguja and Arnold Samiano De Luna of GrabFood, and Junius Arellano of Foodpanda were recognized under the Padyak Champion category, while small business owners Michael Dumasig, Mheeka Orsal, and Myla Buenaventura received Siklista ng Bayan awards. Special awards were also given under each category.

The Mobility Awards is jointly organized by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), The Climate Reality Project Philippines, MNL Moves, 350.org Pilipinas, and Pinay Bike Commuter Community, in collaboration with the League of Cities Philippines and 27 regional partners composed of civic groups and active mobility advocates across the country. For more information about this year’s Awards, visit mobilityawards.ph.

Below is the full list of winners of the Mobility Awards this 2023:

Bicycle-Friendly Cities

Quezon City – Gold
Iloilo City – Gold
Baguio City – Silver

Bicycle-Friendly Workplaces

Medical City Ortigas (Pasig) – Gold
GSIS Main Office (Pasay) – Gold
Cebu IT Park – Silver

Bicycle-Friendly Large Establishments

Bonifacio High Street (Taguig) – Gold
SM Mall of Asia (Pasay) – Silver
Megaworld Iloilo Business Park – Silver

Bicycle-Friendly Standalone Establishments

Magdamag Cafe (Quezon City) – Silver
Kape Urban (Mandaluyong) – Silver
Natoy’s Best Bibingka and Kakanin (Davao) – Bronze

Siklista ng Bayan Awardees

Michael Dumasig (Quezon City)
Mheeka Orsal (Baguio City)
Myla Buenaventura (Pasig City)

Special Awards

Masikap Awardee: Joseph Matthew Estrella (Pasig City)
Matulungin Awardee: Pablo Alar Canlas, Jr. (Borongan City)
Maaasahan Awardee: Leonilo C Arduo, Jr. (Kapalong)

Padyak Champion Awardees

Sarah Francesca Aguja (GrabFood)
Arnold Samiano De Luna (GrabFood)
Junius Arellano (Foodpanda)

Special Awards

Masikap Awardee: Francis Ian Villamayor (Foodpanda)
Matulungin Awardee: Neldeo del Mundo (Foodpanda)
Maaasahan Awardee: Jhon Christopher Gayas (Foodpanda)

***

active mobility, Mobility Awards, sustainable energy and mobility

Latest News & Stories

09Mar

Climate Reality PH’s Project Niche empowers Pangasinan youth to solve the plastic crisis

11Feb

GEOP amendments help hospitals power “care” with renewable energy

27Jan

Climate Reality PH holds renewable energy conference, proposes amendments to Green Energy Option Program

Tags active mobility, Mobility Awards, sustainable energy and mobility

Eleventh Hour at the Manila Bulletin

Eleventh Hour: A celebration of plant-powered living at VegFest Pilipinas 2023

Post author By climaterealityph
Post date November 16, 2023

Eleventh Hour: A celebration of plant-powered living at VegFest Pilipinas 2023

By Peachie Dioquino-Valera and Trexy Pauline De Los Santos

November 16, 2023

Vegfest Pilipinas returns with a culinary explosion this 2023 with a vibrant celebration of plant-based cuisine. Save the dates for 18-19 November as this year’s installment promises to be the most sensational yet, transforming The Spine, Blue Bay Walk into a haven of gastronomic delights for vegan and non-vegan enthusiasts alike.

This year’s festival is championing a compelling message of sustainability and climate action. With the theme “Heal the World with Compassion and Climate Action,” the two-day festival will bring together a diverse group of renowned speakers and passionate advocates, all committed to furthering the cause of veganism whilst fighting climate change.In the middle of a climate catastrophe, young people are boggled with the question of what they should be doing, especially in a vulnerable country like the Philippines, where climate change-induced disasters like floods and droughts have become the norm.

Renowned nutrition scientist Dr. Christian Koeder will grace the VegTalk segment, addressing burning questions about veganism and nutrition. Dr. Koeder’s extensive contributions to vegan nutrition include numerous publications in books and journals, and he will delve into the practicalities of healthy vegan diets in the context of the Philippines. His insights will prove invaluable to Filipino consumers, food advocates, manufacturers, students, and health professionals interested in embracing plant-based eating.

Joining the food festival are local vendors who embody the same philosophy, showcasing their diverse array of plant-based products and services.

A little throwback in time

VegFest is a global event that started in Canada in 1985. It is where food, educational seminars, and other means are used to promote the vegan way of life. It showcases films, performances, and goods.

Since 2018, VegFest Pilipinas has proudly held the title of Asia’s largest and longest-running vegan festival. The Philippine vegan festival traces its roots back to Vegans of Manila back in 2016. The festival is purely volunteer-run and non-profit. One hundred percent (100%) of its profits go directly to its beneficiaries and for this year: SIF Care Foundation, Mobility Awards, and Philippine Animal Rescue Team (PART).

On a mission to make a difference

Vegfest aims to motivate and inspire people from all walks of life to consider adopting a vegan diet. This shift can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the protection of animal life. Our food choices play a crucial role in addressing today’s global challenges, particularly the climate crisis and ecosystem collapse.

Vegfest serves as both a call to action and a celebration. It offers a platform for learning, interaction, and informed decision-making that can positively impact the world.

This year’s event is proudly partnered with Philippine Alliance for Sustainable Solutions (PASS) Forward, a coalition of social enterprises dedicated to fostering sustainability within our economic system and businesses through zero-waste and circular economy practices.

GreenSpace PH will collect food and other organic waste for composting using their Bokashi technology. The resulting compost will be donated to partner farms and community gardens.

EcoNest PH, a local producer of compostable food implements, will showcase its products, including cassava biobags, bagasse containers, bamboo utensils, kraft cups, and straws made from coffee grounds. These eco-friendly alternatives will be widely used by merchants at the festival, and Greenspace PH will ensure their proper composting after use.

Sentinel Upcycling Technologies will collect unavoidable (not single-use) plastic waste generated during the event. This waste will be sorted, cleaned, and upcycled into various products.

Wasto Waste Solutions will showcase examples of upcycled plastic products such as kiosks, folding tables, benches, and chairs.

These PASS Forward partners will also present during their segment titled “The Zero Waste Hour,” highlighting the connection between waste mismanagement and its detrimental effects on ecosystems and non-human species.

In recognition of the power of storytelling and education, this year’s VegFest has partnered with Goethe Institut Philippines.

The festival guests will have the opportunity to watch ten short international documentary films from the institute’s Science Film Festival (SFF) Philippines 2023. The film festival is an official supporting partner of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Just like VegFest, SFF is advocating for the protection and revival of ecosystems worldwide. This involves assisting in the recovery of degraded or destroyed ecosystems and conserving those that remain intact. By doing so, we safeguard the survival, protection, and longevity of the species and non-human beings living on our planet.

See you at The Spine, Blue Bay Walk, on November 18 and 19

This year’s Vegfest is more than just a gathering; it’s a testament to the unwavering commitment of those who believe in protecting our planet and its inhabitants. We hope you can join us!

We promise two days filled with delicious food, diverse vegan products, thought-provoking conversations, fun family activities, a Climate Emergency concert, and an opportunity to be part of a movement that promotes peace and planetary justice.

Let’s come together and make a difference, one plant-based meal at a time. See you there!

***

ABOUT THIS AUTHORS

Peachie Dioquino-Valera is a Climate Reality Leader and a co-organizer of VegFest Pilipinas. Her social media platform Peachie Keen & Green is where she showcases everything green, sustainable, eco-spiritual, and regenerative.

Trexy Pauline De Los Santos is a third-year student currently pursuing her studies in Advertising and Public Relations at Assumption College. Outside of her academic life, she enjoys being surrounded by nature and finds joy in outdoor adventures. She is keen to cross a few important hikes off her limited but meaningful hiking list.

ABOUT ELEVENTH HOUR

This article was originally published on the November 11, 2023 print issue of the Manila Bulletin.

climate action

Latest News & Stories

09Mar

Climate Reality PH’s Project Niche empowers Pangasinan youth to solve the plastic crisis

11Feb

GEOP amendments help hospitals power “care” with renewable energy

27Jan

Climate Reality PH holds renewable energy conference, proposes amendments to Green Energy Option Program

Tags climate action

Press Releases

#MoveTogether Iloilo: Active mobility promotes climate justice and lessens road disparity

Post author By climaterealityph
Post date November 3, 2023

#MoveTogether Iloilo: Active mobility promotes climate justice and lessens road disparity

November 3, 2023

Iloilo City—Active and sustainable mobility is integral in addressing the gaps in the Philippine transport system and in ensuring a just low-carbon transition. This was highlighted during #MoveTogether, an advocacy and movement building workshop on sustainable urban mobility held in Iloilo City last October 25.

#MoveTogether was organized by The Climate Reality Philippines in partnership with the City Government of Iloilo, the Iloilo City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and Iloilo Folding Bike Riders (iFOLD). It mobilized cycling and active mobility advocates from Luzon and Visayas to support the call for local and private sector leaders to prioritize the needs of the majority of Filipino households that do not own private cars.

Philippine transport and mobility issues

A recent survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) revealed that in every four household-owning bicycles, only one owns a car.

In her presentation during the workshop, Chiara Veronica Señires, the Online Community Administrator of Pinay Bike Commuter Community, highlighted the current car-centric mobility system in the country’s metropolitan areas, which compromises the commuting experience of Filipinos, including bicycle commuters.

Arielle Celine Tabinga, National Coordinator of the Mobility Awards, agreed that safety remains a paramount concern for cyclists, especially since cities in the country lack secured and adequate bicycle infrastructure.

Participants also shared the inconvenience of public commuting in the country citing immense traffic, expensive fare costs, disconnected transport systems, and air pollution as among the most pressing transportation and mobility issues.

“Despite these hazards and car-centric infrastructure, people still need to move around to go to places. And so, people continue to walk, use public transportation, and ride bicycles and e-scooters,” Señires said during her presentation.

Cesar Carlito Baclagon, Regional Finance Campaigner of 350.org in Asia, agreed that more people resort to active mobility like cycling and walking as a cost-effective mode of transportation that makes commuters less vulnerable to volatile fossil fuel prices and offers an agile and efficient way to maneuver through traffic.

Evidence-based urban mobility planning

Mobility Awards throughout the years have made efforts to provide empirical data for urban mobility planning and investment programming by counting bicycle commuters on the road.

Tabinga presented the results of Bilang Siklista 2023 during the #MoveTogether session. This year’s bicycle count reported a total of 147,800 cyclists across 17 cities.

“The bicycle count project aims to provide more evidence to support the urgent need to invest in better bicycle infrastructure throughout the country as more and more Filipinos are relying on bicycles,” Tabinga explained.

She added that the bicycle count had significant contributions in guiding the planning and implementation of national bicycle programs of the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Moreover, the initiative encouraged further research to strengthen claims on inclusive mobility.

Co-benefits of active mobility

More than the social and economic benefits, active mobility also yields positive impacts on climate and the environment.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), transportation is responsible for 37% of global carbon emissions.

“Modernizing our transport system is more than just upgrading the type, engine, and fuel of vehicles. It’s about enhancing urban mobility conditions by providing safer, cleaner, cost-effective options to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions,” Baclagon said.

Promoting smart, inclusive, and active mobility

On the second day of #MoveTogether, participants were given the opportunity to experience cycling through the bicycle lanes along Iloilo City’s Esplanade and University Loop. The participants witnessed how these lanes were strategically established along universities, leisure parks, and other public areas to encourage bicycle commuting.

Señires encouraged participants to demand more of these people-centric road infrastructures from their respective local governments. Tabinga also emphasized the importance of active citizenship in this movement.

***

active mobility, energy transition, Mobility Awards, sustainable transport

Latest News & Stories

09Mar

Climate Reality PH’s Project Niche empowers Pangasinan youth to solve the plastic crisis

11Feb

GEOP amendments help hospitals power “care” with renewable energy

27Jan

Climate Reality PH holds renewable energy conference, proposes amendments to Green Energy Option Program

Tags active mobility, energy transition, Mobility Awards, sustainable transport

Blog Post

From the perspective of the climate-vulnerable: Wins and losses at the 2023 Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the IMF

Post author By climaterealityph
Post date October 26, 2023

From the perspective of the climate-vulnerable: Wins and losses at the 2023 Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the IMF

October 26, 2023

Climate-vulnerable countries have lost an estimated 525 billion USD over the past two decades due to climate change limiting economic growth, hampering development gains and making it harder for communities to thrive. This daunting reality is compounded by rising external debt—a total of 686.3 billion USD in 2020 for 55 vulnerable economies.

Despite already struggling to repay their existing debts, climate-vulnerable countries will need to spend more than 2.4 trillion USD every year starting in 2030 to address climate change and transform their energy systems. In developing countries like the Philippines, the climate crisis is a debt crisis. Without urgent climate action and debt reform, the cost of capital and debt will continue to rise to unsustainable levels.

In this context, climate advocates participated in the 2023 Annual Meeting of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in the hopes of finding a path forward to address the intertwined climate and debt crises.

Here are a few highlights from the conference, including stories of wins and losses in our call for global finance architecture that is aligned with our climate goals:

World Bank’s new vision-mission

On October 12, the World Bank’s Board of Governors endorsed the new vision of the World Bank: To create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. The bank also adopted a new mission to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity.

This is an excellent starting point but these moves should be underpinned by policies aligned with the 1.5 degrees Celsius goal of the Paris Agreement.

In several dialogues during the conference, civil society actors reiterated the need to implement a comprehensive and robust policy that bans all direct and indirect financing of fossil fuel development, infrastructure, and promotion.

Building new fossil fuel infrastructure is not only a waste of resources. It may also leave Global South nations with expensive assets stranded by the net-zero transition. We emphasized that the World Bank must further acknowledge the impacts of its energy investments, especially in reducing electricity costs as a means to vitalize economies.

In a recent town hall discussion with civil society organizations at the 2023 Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, World Bank President Ajay Banga defended the institution’s continuous funding of fossil gas projects, citing the need for fossil gas as a transition fuel to replace coal in baseload generation.

However, in a town hall discussion with civil society organizations, the World Bank President, defended the institution’s continuous funding of fossil gas projects, citing its supposed role as a transition fuel to replace coal in baseload generation for underserved communities.

What he failed to recognize is that the rapidly changing energy landscape is demanding a move away from the outdated baseload model towards a more agile and responsive approach, powered by clean energy and energy storage technologies. A more flexible electricity grid, combined with demand response efforts, clean energy, and energy storage, is more resilient and affordable than a grid that heavily relies on baseload power.

The World Bank simply cannot illustrate climate change as a mere “trade-off” because climate-resilient and the low carbon transition safeguards economic and social development.

Finance Ministers and High-Level Representatives of the V20, G7, and G20 countries Heads of International Financial Institutions, Multilateral Development Banks, and Partners joined the 11th Ministerial Dialogue of the V20 Finance Ministers on October 15.

Making debt work for climate

The V20 Finance Ministers, a dedicated, action-oriented, solutions-driven platform of finance ministers of 68 climate-vulnerable countries, emphasized that “aligning the financial system to serve the most vulnerable is not only pivotal for those least responsible and most exposed to the climate crisis but also imperative for global shared prosperity and stability.”

In its 11th Ministerial Dialogue last October 15, attended by IMF Managing Director Dr. Kristalina Georgieva, officials of the World Bank and other multilateral development institutions, and the finance ministers and high-level representatives of the V20, G7, and G20 countries, the group urged the immediate alignment of the global financial system with climate science and climate policy through the Accra-Marrakech Agenda while advancing other critical reform solutions in the Bridgetown Initiative 2.0.

Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, V20 Chair and Minister for Finance of Ghana, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and World Bank Senior Managing Director Axel van Trotsenburg during the V20 Ministerial Dialogue XI.

Climate-vulnerable economies need to find ways to pay for the changes that need to be made to deal with climate change. We can’t just cut spending, because that would hurt people and economies. Instead, we need to find new ways to raise money to make the changes they need to make without having to go into too much debt.

The V20 Finance Ministers called for the global financial system to move from conventional austerity-based approaches to resource mobilization-driven approaches that prioritize climate action, help countries overcome costly capital hurdles to low-carbon and climate-resilient investments, provide pre-arranged and trigger-based funds, and enable debt sustainability.

Nazrin Castro, Branch Manager of The Climate Reality Project Philippines, delivered an intervention during the roundtable discussion “The Road Ahead for International Development Association (IDA) – A Conversation with Civil Society Partners” held on October 10.

Financing loss and damage

Financing future loss and damage caused by climate change could amount to 150 billion and 300 billion USD per year by 2030. It is critical to create a loss and damage fund that is fair, inclusive, fast, and responsive to the needs of communities that need it most.

As the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Loss and Damage Fund take shape in the lead-up to the 2023 United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP 28), governments and climate advocates from vulnerable nations emphasized in Marrakech the role of the IMF in addressing loss and damage.

Given the IMF’s mandate to maintain global financial stability and its macroeconomic expertise, the V20 Finance Ministers stressed the need for the IMF to integrate loss and damage into its surveillance functions, lending toolkit, and capacity development activities.

The Climate Reality Project Philippines, in particular, underscored that one good option to ensure the scale and access for the loss and damage fund is through an IDA-like window for Loss and Damage that can support delivery into social and financial protection systems.

Giving vulnerable groups more seats at the table

Another critical point of discussion in the conference in Marrakech was the need to transform the IMF’s governance structure to better represent its membership.

Dr. Georgieva, herself, acknowledged this and talked about adding a third Chair for Africa to the IMF Executive Board and the possibility of making the V20 an official IMF group, alongside G7, G20, and G24.

“The V20 nations, while collectively accounting for more than one-fifth of the world’s population and 44.7% share of IMF programs, find themselves underrepresented with just 5.3% of the institution’s votes. V20 ministries have considerable expertise that the IMF should benefit from given country experiences regarding the interconnections of climate, debt, and development.”

– Ken Ofori-Atta, V20 Chair and Ghana Minister for Finance

The V20 Group is calling for a reform of the global financial system that empowers developing economies to achieve prosperity and debt sustainability amid the climate crisis.

While the official recognition of V20 in the IMF is still up in the air, Ivan Machado Oliveira, Deputy Secretary of the Finance Ministry of Brazil, the chairperson of the G20, invited the V20 to have a seat as a guest to the G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group.

All roads now lead to COP28

The World Bank and IMF meetings in Marrakech offered a glimpse of hope, but more needs to be done to address the intertwined climate and debt crises.

For climate vulnerable countries like ours, merely surviving the climate crisis is not enough; the aim is to thrive in a rapidly warming climate.

We look forward to COP28, where more discussions about the future of climate action will take place.

***

This blog was originally published at Climate Reality’s main website. Learn more about Climate Reality’s Financing a Just Transition global campaign here.

climate finance, imf, loss and damage, world bank

Latest News & Stories

09Mar

Tags climate finance, imf, loss and damage, world bank

The Call of Filipino Youth: Climate Justice and True Solidarity at COP28

CO-SIGNATORIES

References:

Latest News & Stories

Eleventh Hour: Finding hope in grassroots climate action ahead of COP28

Paris promised, so Marrakech must deliver. Oh, maybe Bonn, or Katowice, or Madrid will deliver. Oops, let’s try this again. Paris promised, and Glasgow will deliver. Still, no? Okay, Sharm El-Sheikh will deliver. Okay, maybe this time we’ll get it right; Dubai must deliver.

It seems like the world is stuck in an endless loop of setting promises without taking action. Eight years after 192 countries agreed to stop global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the world is still far from making this a reality.

Latest News & Stories

Quezon City, Iloilo, and Baguio recognized as the Philippines’ most bicycle-friendly cities of 2023

Quezon City—The cities of Quezon City, Iloilo, and Baguio were hailed as this year’s most bicycle-friendly cities in the Philippines, according to the Mobility Awards, as it concludes its third run.

Latest News & Stories

Eleventh Hour: A celebration of plant-powered living at VegFest Pilipinas 2023

Latest News & Stories

#MoveTogether Iloilo: Active mobility promotes climate justice and lessens road disparity

Philippine transport and mobility issues

Evidence-based urban mobility planning

Co-benefits of active mobility

Promoting smart, inclusive, and active mobility

Latest News & Stories

From the perspective of the climate-vulnerable: Wins and losses at the 2023 Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the IMF

World Bank’s new vision-mission

Finance Ministers and High-Level Representatives of the V20, G7, and G20 countries Heads of International Financial Institutions, Multilateral Development Banks, and Partners joined the 11th Ministerial Dialogue of the V20 Finance Ministers on October 15.

Making debt work for climate

Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, V20 Chair and Minister for Finance of Ghana, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and World Bank Senior Managing Director Axel van Trotsenburg during the V20 Ministerial Dialogue XI.

Nazrin Castro, Branch Manager of The Climate Reality Project Philippines, delivered an intervention during the roundtable discussion “The Road Ahead for International Development Association (IDA) – A Conversation with Civil Society Partners” held on October 10.

Financing loss and damage

Giving vulnerable groups more seats at the table

The V20 Group is calling for a reform of the global financial system that empowers developing economies to achieve prosperity and debt sustainability amid the climate crisis.

All roads now lead to COP28

Latest News & Stories

Who We Are

What We Do

Stories