Greenpeace delivers a solar powered Parol to Philippine Senate on the eve of Global day of action for climate

The giant solar powered parol was received by Senator Miguel Zubiri from Greenpeace volunteers, supporters and other pro-renewable energy groups who arrived in red shirts proclaiming 'Make it Happen – Energy Revolution now!'. As part of the activity, the environmental group also delivered miniature lanterns with the messages "No Nukes, No Coal, Energy Revolution Now!" and "I support Renewable Energy" to each Senator. The miniature lanterns are from Albay, among the provinces in the country that is most vulnerable to climate change impacts.

"Greenpeace is lighting up the Senate building with this solar-powered Christmas star as a reminder to our political leaders that renewable energy--not nuclear or fossil fuels--is the clear answer, the true hope, for a secure future free from the severe impacts of catastrophic climate change," said Greenpeace Climate and Energy Campaigner Amalie Obusan.

The Global Day of Action on December 6 coincides with the United Nations climate meeting in Poland. One of the key issues that will be discussed at the climate talks is a 'shared vision' for long-term cooperative action, including a long-term global goal for carbon emission reductions.

Greenpeace believes the shared vision must be an "Energy Revolution"--a transformation of the global economy into one that is low carbon and sustainable in its production and consumption. According to Greenpeace report "Energy [R]evolution: A Sustainable Philippine Energy Outlook," renewable energy can provide as much as 57% of the Philippines' energy needs by 2030, and as much as 70% by 2050.

"Climate change will hit the poorest first and hardest," said Obusan. "While the Renewable Energy (RE) Act, expected to be signed into law next week, is a step in the right direction by the Philippine Government, we still need to see serious commitment to climate change mitigation efforts. Greenpeace, which has consistently campaigned for the passage of the RE law, is now further challenging government decision makers to lead the country's 'Energy Revolution' and steer the Philippines away from the perils of coal and nuclear and toward a bright future of clean, safe, sustainable energy." concluded Obusan

Greenpeace is an independent, global campaigning organization that acts to change attitudes and behavior, to protect and conserve the environment, and to promote peace.