Caritas and diocesan representatives also joined the global march for climate justice in Quezon City. While COP29 is taking place, the country where the headquarters of the support fund for Countries affected by climate change (FRLD) is located is preparing for the arrival of Typhoon Man-yi, after the passage of Ofel. There were already more than 250 victims in 2024.
Manila () – The 4,000 environmentalists who today participated in the global march for climate justice in Quezon City are asking the Philippine government to declare a climate emergency. Meanwhile, the Asian archipelago awaits Man-yi, the 16th typhoon of the year, which could hit the eastern regions over the weekend, and in Baku, Azerbaijan, the 19th UN Climate Change Conference is taking place ( COP29). Protesters called for the phasing out of fossil fuels, more global funding to reduce harmful emissions and measures to adapt to the consequences of climate change. Also participating in the march were Caritas Philippines, the social development area of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference (CBCP), and other representatives of diocesan social action centers, integral ecology ministries, congregations and religious organizations.
This measure would give prestige to the climate leaders of the country, which in July 2024 was chosen as the headquarters of the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), established by the Cop and the Cma (Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement), whose mandate includes “particular attention to loss and damage management to assist developing countries particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change to cope with economic and non-economic loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change.” same”.
In the last six months, storms, typhoons and strong tropical cyclones – including Carina, Enteng, Julian, Leon, Kristine and Marce – have left more than 250 people dead in the Philippines and caused damage exceeding 25 billion pesos. (more than 400 million euros). The latest typhoon, Usagi (Ofel is the local name), has weakened in recent hours, after hitting the northern cities, especially Baggao, destroying numerous homes. Now it is heading towards Taiwan, but there is no respite. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Man-yi is intensifying in the western Pacific and could become a super typhoon in the early hours of Sunday. Preventive evacuations of residents of the areas affected by this new storm are scheduled to begin tomorrow.
As pointed out Reuterslast month Tropical Storm Trami and Typhoon Kong-rey caused major flooding and triggered landslides, leaving 162 dead and 22 missing, according to government data. The Japan Meteorological Agency said that four storms occurred simultaneously this month in the western Pacific Ocean, a phenomenon that occurs for the first time since records began in 1951. In 2013 Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest ever recorded, hit the central city of Tacloban and killed more than 6,000 people. Every year an average of 20 tropical storms hit the Philippines, bringing heavy rain, very strong winds and deadly landslides.
Environmentalists are calling for immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help prevent the ecological catastrophe that endangers the planet and all living things, said Jing Rey Henderson, an official with Caritas Philippines. It is essential to recognize the interconnectedness of all living organisms and the responsibility to protect them. “We also recognize the inalienable right of nature to exist and thrive, so that it can fulfill its function of preserving the environment in which all living beings can exist,” he added.
That is why it is of paramount importance to declare a climate emergency. This means, first of all, recognizing that the entire ecosystem and humanity are in danger of extinction, and that rapid and calculated measures are needed to mitigate or stop the irreversible effects of climate change. Secondly, to maintain the objective of not exceeding the 1.5°C increase in global temperature until 2030. To this end, all sectors must take coordinated and planned measures, with the government as the main responsible.
The country must also reduce emissions in various sectors, as well as land use. And it is essential to protect rainforests and other natural ecosystems, such as oceans, which serve as crucial carbon reservoirs and contribute to the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Finally, it is essential to sustain and protect the well-being of indigenous populations, environmental defenders and local communities who act as custodians and coexist peacefully with the surrounding environment. Sustainable production and consumption play a crucial role in establishing laws such as those proposed on alternative mineral management and rights of nature, aimed at the sustainable management of waste and natural resources.
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