July 18 2024 | A week ago, it was announced that the Philippines will host the board of the Loss and Damage Fund. According to Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, “Hosting the LDF Board will unlock more opportunities for the Philippines to accelerate its access to climate finance and investments, which are critical for future-proofing our economy and ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth.”
The Loss and Damage Fund is a finance mechanism that aims to support developing countries, like the Philippines, who face the brunt effects of the climate crisis. This was the positive outcome of the UN Climate Summit Conference of Parties 28 in Dubai last year. It is a start for countries most affected by climate change to have a mechanism to demand reparations from the Global North. Despite this, countries such as the United States and countries from the European Union have given only pennies compared to how much they invest and profit from fossil fuel industries.
Now with the fund being hosted in the Philippines, it is only right for the people to demand as well what is needed for genuine climate action. This is a country where the head of the state is typically abroad and has only approved policies that only benefit corporations and the rich few who are in power. This is the country where environmental activists are detained, silenced, and even killed by state forces. In a land where economic development is much more important than the lives of every Filipino— we would like to question the credibility of the Philippine Government to host such a crucial stage of climate action.
In the recent report of the UN Special Rapporteur on Climate change and Human rights, it was clear that we need to hold the current government accountable for the criminal negligence that has worsened the losses and damages experienced by the Philippines when it comes to climate impacts such as typhoons and drought. The fact of the matter is that the lack of government services and support to communities worsens the chances of people adapting to climate impacts. Despite the development of financial instruments to address the costs of damages, the support is not felt by communities, as we continually experience worse and worse climate disasters.
The Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines joins the nation in calling for Climate Justice in the upcoming State of the Nation Address 2024. We’d like to see Marcos Jr actually walk the talk and follow the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur, to abolish NTFELCAC, Junk Terror Law and have a moratorium for reclamation. If we want true intergenerational justice, we need climate education integrated in our school curriculum. Instead of adopting and implementing laws that silence and attack climate activists, adopt climate legislation and litigation. It is clear to us that in the two years of Marcos Jr has done nothing but worsen the environmental situation in the country.
NO CLIMATE JUSTICE UNDER THE MARCOS ADMINISTRATION!
Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines 