Youth orgs call on candidates to bring climate, environment to the table
GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — Young activists are calling on candidates in the May polls to put forward climate platforms that put people and the planet at the center as climate change-related risks have been increasingly felt in recent years.
"The next leaders of the country need to recognize the urgency of the climate crisis for our country," said Jon Bonifacio, national coordinator of Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (YACAP).
He stressed the need to start talking about how the Philippines can adapt to climate change, especially after the devastation caused by Typhoon Odette (Rai)—the strongest tropical cyclone that hit the country last year.
The archipelagic Philippines is one of the countries most at risk from the climate crisis.
Youth organizations called on candidates to ensure scientifically-appropriate protection and restoration of mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reefs and watershed ecosystems.
There must also be increase in public investment into local research and technology, investments in infrastructure resilient to climate impacts, and policies that aim to better prevent, prepare for and respond to climate change impacts.
They also stressed that relocation is not the only solution for people living in risk zones.
Push for climate justice
Young climate activists also urged poll aspirants to implement a stricter moratorium on coal, make the country’s climate commitments or the Nationally Determined Contributions more ambitious, develop a clear transition pathway toward renewable energy, and impose a nationwide ban on single-use plastics.
Candidates must champion climate justice and defend environment defenders. The Philippines has been consistently identified the worst place in Asia for protectors of nature, according to watchdog Global Witness.
They also need to accelerate the inclusion of climate change education in elementary and high school curricula, maintain a transparent process in all efforts toward addressing the climate change, and ensure stricter implementation of climate and environmental policies.
"The youth are coming together to call for a green and just leadership in the face of the ongoing climate and environment crises. Our present and future are at stake, and we have no time to lose," said Bea Panlaqui, chairperson of Saribuhay.
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