Calls on PH to end fossil fuel dependence and demand payment for loss and damage
In the wake of severe tropical storm Kristine (Trami) and ongoing onslaught of supertyphoon Leon (Kong-Rey), Greenpeace today called on the Philippine government to end fossil fuel dependence and to demand payment for loss and damage from those most responsible for the climate crisis.
STS Kristine killed at least 150 people and left at least PHP 6.5B in damages to infrastructure and agriculture, according to latest government estimates. It additionally ran aground a coal barge off the coast of Zambales, and an oil tanker in a port in Batangas. In less than a week, Kristine was followed by STY Leon which saw signal number 5 raised over Batanes Province. In the past six months, storms and tropical disturbances including Aghon, Butchoy, Carina, Enteng, Julian, along with Kristine and Leon have caused an estimated 250 deaths and PHP 25B in damages combined.
“Every year, the stakes are higher for Filipinos who suffer the impacts,” said Greenpeace campaigner Khevin Yu. “Since July this year, Filipinos have had to deal with death and damaged homes almost every month. And yet they’re still the ones bearing the financial burden of these impacts with taxpayers’ money. This shouldn’t go on. The government must demand payment for loss and damage from fossil fuel companies, and lead the call for a fossil fuel phase out.”
World governments are set to meet for the UN Climate talks from November 11 to 22, where climate finance will be a central topic. Greenpeace says that the government must step up and strongly champion the call for increased funding, particularly for the Fund responding to Loss and Damage. As a start, the Philippine delegation should support the Climate Damages Tax, so that there is contribution from high emitting industries such as fossil fuel companies, not just states.
“The Philippines lobbied to be the host of the Loss and Damage Fund Board, but what use is hosting the board if it doesn’t have money in the pot?” Yu said “It’s more significant to the Filipino people if President Marcos, Jr. followed through on his repeated calls for climate justice and resilience with action. Filipinos are tired of the never ending cycle of typhoon destruction. Kailangan nang kalampagin ang mga mayayamang bansa at mga kompanyang pinaka responsable sa climate crisis para pagbayarin.”
Domestically, Greenpeace says that the government must align its policies with their pronouncements. Despite the President’s speeches on the need for renewable energy and climate justice, the Philippines is still poised to increase its dependence on fossil fuels, particularly fossil gas. The government has also made no commitment to a net-zero target, and is eyeing dangerous energy sources like nuclear along with continued dependence on coal and gas.
Greenpeace additionally raised the alarm on the growing frequency of oil and coal spills, with tankers and barges running aground due to the typhoons. In July, STY Carina (Gaemi) sank two tankers and caused a major oil spill in Bataan. Last week, STS Kristine caused two vessels, including a tanker, to run aground in Batangas, and sank a coal barge in Zambales.
Greenpeace warned that oil and coal will leave permanent damage to the marine environment, affecting coastal communities reliant on fishing for food and livelihood. The group additionally raised the alarm on the lack of transparency and open, proactive information surrounding the last week’s spill incidents. Local communities who reached out to Greenpeace reported fish catch with oily scent, the absence of information from authorities about the possibility of an oil spill, and how movements in the port area have been restricted.
“The accounts from local fishers suggest there may have been an oil spill, raising fears of unreported ecological damage,” Yu said. “Authorities involved must ensure transparency, full information sharing and communication with local communities, to ensure the health and safety of coastal populations, contain spillages, formulate plans and policies to hold those responsible to account, and to minimize the likelihood of similar future incidents.”
“STS Kristine and all the other extreme weather events this year, including the extreme heat last April and May, is showing how the need for clear action on climate change is vital,” Yu said. “At home, the government must end fossil fuel dependence, ensuring a just transition that is grounded on fossil fuel phase out. The President must also ensure the passage of the CLIMA Bill. In the UN climate talks this November, the country delegation must demand a global fossil fuel phaseout and payment from high emitting corporations, aside from states, for losses and damages suffered by Filipinos.”
PHOTOS FROM BICOL [Flooding]
PHOTOS FROM BATANGAS [Landslides]
NEW!!! PHOTOS & DRONE FOOTAGE IN ZAMBALES [Coal Spill]
For requests for interviews and other information, please contact:
Karl Orit, Greenpeace Philippines Communications Campaigner
[email protected] | +63 919 4571064
