The Climate Justice Walk 2023’s First 500 Kilometers

Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most pressing issues of our time, particularly in the Philippines where climate impacts are constantly being felt with deadly super typhoons and devastating droughts. Ahead of the 10th year anniversary of Typhoon Haiyan’s (local name Yolanda) epic landfall, a team of Filipino climate and human rights advocates recently embarked on a 30-day Climate Justice Walk, journeying a distance of almost 1000 kilometers from Manila’s Kilometer Zero to Tacloban- Haiyan’s Ground Zero. The walk pays tribute to the more than 6,000 lives lost and the millions forced to face a new climate reality. 

Fifteen days since their Manila send-off on 8 October, the Climate Justice Walk team reached their half-way point in Ligao, Albay.

Walking and biking whatever the weather, in total they have covered a distance of 646 kilometers, passing through historic towns and climate-impacted communities in Laguna, Quezon, Camarines Sur, Albay, and Sorsogon.

Along the way, they were welcomed by church and civic leaders who support and share the advocacy of a greener and safer world under a stable climate. Many have voiced their resistance to coal-fired power plants and other polluting industries in their provinces.

The Climate Justice Walk team also engaged with students, some of whom were too young to remember Haiyan’s onslaught in 2013. These interactions strengthen the bonds between people of different backgrounds and create a collective sense of purpose in the fight against climate change.

Just recently, Governor Greco “Grex” Lagman declared a Climate Emergency in Albay Province during the Climate Justice Walk team’s stopover. Under the declaration, the Albay government committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate global warming in adherence to the Paris Agreement in limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C.

With 354 kilometers left, the team will continue their journey to Eastern Visayas- the region that suffered the most damage during Haiyan. They will conclude their mission on November 7, the eve of Haiyan’s 10th anniversary.

The Climate Justice Walk represents a powerful call for urgent and ambitious climate action, as well as reparations for vulnerable communities who are disproportionately affected by climate change.

10 years after Haiyan, it’s time to raise our voices anew and amplify the call for Climate Justice to hold those accountable for fueling the climate crisis. Join us!

Therese Salvador is the Regional Communications Coordinator for Greenpeace Southeast Asia. She is currently taking part in the Climate Justice Walk 2023.