“As a developing country with very little access to vital resources, the
Philippines has a low ability to adapt and a lower ability to cope with
disasters brought about by climate change impacts. Aside from recurring
typhoons and drought, sea level rise is a major threat to marine
ecosystems and to coastal human populations and their livelihoods. But
another grim reality is that climate change not only exacerbates the
Philippines’ socio-economic and environmental problems, it also
threatens the country’s rich cultural heritage, as well as some of the
rarest and most diverse fragile ecosystems in the world. And still
grimmer is the fact that climate change will amplify the socio-economic
burdens already shouldered by Filipino families, such as hunger and
water scarcity,” said Jabines.
But, Greenpeace says, it’s not too late. There is still time to avert
the worst impacts of climate change–if we act decisively now. As a
start, immediate measures must take into account how local governments
can adapt to the worsening forecasts through effective coping strategies
and disaster preparedness. However, the stronger and more necessary
solution is the global reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by
2050. To help reach this goal, the Philippines must start reducing its
dependence on fossil fuels, particularly coal, for its energy source.
The country must embrace renewable energy and promote energy efficiency
to cut carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 30% by 2050. And to
achieve this, it is imperative that the government implement policy
mechanisms, such as a strong Renewable Energy Bill, to initiate the change.
“Being among the most at risk, our country must make greater leaps
toward lasting solutions. Thus, while our government must anticipate and
squarely face the worst of the impacts, it must above all choose an
energy development path built on clean and renewable sources of energy
and energy efficiency to pave the way for a truly secure and sustainable
future,” added Jabines.
Greenpeace is an independent campaigning organization that uses
non-violent creative confrontation to expose global environmental
problems to force solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful
future.
“The Philippines: A Climate Hotspot,” related photos, and interactive
maps, may be accessed at www.greenpeace.org.ph.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Abigail Jabines, Climate and Energy Campaigner, +63 917 886 4767
Lea Guerrero, Media Campaigner, +63 2 434 7034 loc 104, +63 916 374 4969
