Pinoy youth urged: Fast for climate change pact

To raise awareness on the need for decisive action against climate change, the National Youth Commission (NYC) called on the country’s youth to fast until Nov. 22.

The NYC issued the appeal in support of the Philippine delegation led by Climate Change Commissioner Naderev Sano who represents the country in the 19th United Nations (UN) Conference of Parties (COP) Climate Summit in Warsaw, Poland.

“The idea of fasting came from Sano as part of his advocacy to go on fasting until a meaningful agreement is reached in the conference. We want to stand by him,” said NYC Undersecretary Leon Flores III in a press briefing yesterday.

The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) will hold the funeral caravan today to dramatize their call on First World nations to reduce their carbon or “greenhouse gas” emissions to stop the depletion of the world’s ozone layer.

“We call on every well-meaning Filipino and youth to forgo some of their meals, fast at least until the completion of the talks on Nov. 22 (Friday) and donate these meals to the displaced survivors of super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda),” the NYC said in a statement.

By fasting, Flores said the people can commiserate with the displaced people and feel their hunger as well.

“As we continue to mobilize resources and volunteers to increase deployment of assistance to those affected, may we do our share in adjusting our lifestyle, going green, buying local, prepare for disasters, and engage in sustainable behavior,” he said.

The Philippine delegation to the UN-COP Climate Summit called for increased funding for adaptation projects, mobilization of a Green Climate Fund and creation of a “damage and loss” compensation system.

“We repeat the call for developed nations and carbon emitters to take immediate action on the issue of climate change. The cost of inaction is far more staggering, its impact to development, colossal,” the NYC said in their statement.

PMCJ representative Teody Navea said the funeral caravan starts at 8 a.m. today along V. Rama St. and will pass through places where various government offices directly engaged in environment issues are located.

The caravan’s final stop will be at the US Consular Office at Waterfront Hotel in Lahug at around 10a.m.

A short program and a symbolic offering of candles and flowers for the victims of Yolanda will follow, Navea said. /Jose Santino S. Bunachita, Correspondent