Climate activists march in the Elliptical Road in Quezon City to call for an end to fossil fuel use. (Jean Mangaluz / INQUIRER.net)
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino climate activists on Friday joined an Asia-wide protest to demand an end to the use of fossil fuels as the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) draws near.
Led by the Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development, different environmental and labor groups gathered at the Quezon Memorial Circle and marched to the offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture.
“Last year’s COP marked a significant milestone na mayroong ‘Loss and Damage Fund’. Finally, since 1992. But it is not doing nearly enough, and what is required are urgent actions,” said Sanlakas Secretary General Aaron Pedrosa at the protest.
The Loss and Damage Fund is a commitment from the UN that aims to provide aid for nations who are vulnerable to climate change.
A large sign displayed by protestors said “Global fight to end fossil fuels. Fast, fair, forever.”
Climate activists march in the Elliptical Road in Quezon City to call for an end to fossil fuel use. (Jean Mangaluz / INQUIRER.net)
“Come up with concrete action, concrete language in the text which would include ending fossil fuel support, subsidy expansion now,” said Pedrosa.
Pedrosa said that the language must be concrete, and it must be consistent with actions. Criticizing the Philippine government’s use of coal plants and gas projects, Pedrosa said that it has failed to walk the talk.
“If the government does not stop its expansion and support for fossil fuel projects, it is akin to it signing our own death warrants. Sila na mismo ang maglalagay sa atin tungo ng landas ng tiyak na kamatayan,” he said.
(If the government does not stop its expansion and support for fossil fuel projects, it is akin to it signing our own death warrants. They will be the ones who put us in the path of certain death.)
Simultaneous protest action also took place in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Japan, India, Philippines, South Korea and other nations.