RoN PH declares Climate Emergency
The Rights of Nature Philippines declares a climate emergency as a response to the ongoing climate crisis. Therefore, we commit to take decisive actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help avert the ecological crisis that threatens Earth, our common home and the wellbeing of humanity and all other beings on planet earth.
This move emerges from our recognition of the interconnectedness of all beings and our fundamental responsibility to protect it and respect nature’s inherent right to exist, thrive, and flourish to be able to play its role of maintaining the condition where all beings can live.
We strongly call on the Philippine Government to DECLARE CLIMATE EMERGENCY NOW! Declaring a climate emergency means, first, recognizing that humanity and the whole ecosystem is collapsing and immediate and strategic actions must be done to reduce or halt the irreversible impacts of climate change. Second, as we primarily put to task the government to take action, we call for collective and strategic actions from all sectors in keeping the 1.5C target up to 2030.
To keep this target, we propose the following bold and strategic actions anchored on ecologically sustainable solutions:
● Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing emissions from energy production, transportation, industry, agriculture, and land use. This must be achieved through a combination of pro-people, pro-animals, and sustainable measures such as just transitioning to renewable and clean energy sources, improving energy efficiency, adopting sustainable agriculture practices, and reducing waste.
● Climate adaptation. Planning and implementing community-based measures to adapt to the inevitable and currently occurring impacts of climate change. This can include measures such as implementing nature-based solutions, building climate-resilient infrastructure, improving water management, and supporting the development of climate-resilient agriculture practices.
● Protection of forests and other natural ecosystems. Protecting and restoring our forests, marine, and other ecosystems which are vital carbon sinks that help absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This also means supporting and protecting the welfare of Indigenous Peoples, environmental defenders, and local communities that serve as stewards and live in harmony with their environment.
● Sustainable consumption and production. Implementing policies on sustainably managing our own natural resources and wastes such as the Rights of Nature bill and the Alternative Minerals Management bill. This also involves incentivizing Sapat Lifestyle practices and planning strategies towards the shift to a circular economy.
● Efficient, consistent, and full implementation of existing environmental laws, enactment of green bills, and repeal of environmentally destructive laws, including the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, Clean Air Act, Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act, among others.
● Respect and protect the self-determination of our Indigenous Peoples and the full implementation of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA). Assist indigenous communities to come up with their own Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development Protection Plan (ADSDPP) and align the comprehensive land use plan with their ADSDPP.
● Investment in climate research and development. Strengthening our own R&D resources and capabilities to develop new technologies and innovations for the acceleration of a just transition towards a low-carbon economy and climate resilient future.
● Climate education and awareness-raising. Raising public awareness about the impacts of climate change and the Rights of Nature while building support for climate action and promoting behavior change.
● International, national, and local solidarity and cooperation. Addressing the climate crisis requires global cooperation and coordinated efforts across countries and regions. Exact accountability from stakeholders, pay up for loss and damages, and uphold international frameworks promoting global action on climate change. Creation of a multi-sectoral and inter-religious Climate Emergency technical working group with the Climate Change Commission, which would craft a comprehensive National Climate Emergency Action Plan, leading to local ordinances and the National Climate Emergency Act.
Most importantly, these measures must be implemented in the essence of CLIMATE AND INTERGENERATIONAL JUSTICE to ensure that the benefits and burdens of climate action are distributed fairly and that vulnerable communities are not left behind. We are advocating for policies and programs that address the root causes of climate change. We are challenging the economic and political systems that prioritize profit over nature and people – towards a just transition to a low-carbon economy that benefits everyone.
Together, we are fighting for the Rights of Nature and climate justice to address the climate crisis in a way that is fair, equitable, and sustainable for all.
KEEP IT DOWN TO 1.5C!
UPHOLD CLIMATE AND INTERGENERATIONAL JUSTICE NOW!
ENACT THE RIGHTS OF NATURE BILL NOW!
DECLARE CLIMATE EMERGENCY NOW!
SIGNATORIES
Church/Diocese/ Parishes |
1. Apostolic Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe Social Action Center
2. Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan Social Action Center
3. Apostolic Vicariate San Jose
4. Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk Social Action Center
5. Archdiocesan Social Action Center of Cotabato
6. Archdiocesan Social Action Center of Ozamis
7. Archdiocesan Social Action Center of Zamboanga
8. Archdiocese of Lipa Ministry on Ecology
9. Archdiocese of Manila – Ecology Ministry
10. Archdiocese of Manila Social Action Commission
11. Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia – Commission on Ecology
12. Archdiocese of Palo
13. Archdiocese of Caceres – Ecology Ministry
14. Catholic Women’s League, Inc. Philippines
15. Caritas Baguio
16. Caritas Cabanatuan
17. Caritas Caceres
18. Caritas Capiz
19. Caritas Catarman
20. Caritas Cebu
21. Caritas Cubao
22. Caritas Imus
23. Caritas Kalookan
24. Caritas La Union
25. Caritas Libmanan
26. Caritas Lingayen-Dagupan
27. Caritas Manila
28. Caritas Marbel
29. Caritas Novaliches
30. Caritas Nueva Segovia
31. Caritas Palo
32. Caritas Paranaque
33. Caritas Philippines
34. Caritas San Jose (Occidental Mindoro)
35. Caritas San Pablo
36. Caritas Sorsogon
37. Caritas Tabuk
38. Caritas Tandag
39. Caritas Tarlac
40. Caritas Tuguegarao
41. Caritas Urdaneta
42. Caritas Virac
43. CBCP-Council of the Laity of the Philippines
44. CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Health Care
45. CBCP Office on Women
46. CWS-NCR (Church Peoples Workers Solidarity)
47. Diocese of Iba
48. Diocese of Baguio – Commission on Environment
49. Diocese of Butuan
50. Diocese of Antipolo – Ecology Ministry
51. Diocese of Lucena – Ministry of Ecology
52. Diocese of Parañaque
53. Diocesan Social Action Center of Antique
54. Diocesan Social Action Center of Bataan
55. Diocesan Social Action Center of Bacolod
56. Diocesan Social Action Center of Bayombong
57. Diocesan Social Action Center of Boac
58. Diocesan Social Action Center of Butuan
59. Diocesan Social Action Center of Calbayog
60. Diocesan Social Action Center of Dipolog
61. Diocesan Social Action Center of Ilagan
62. Diocesan Social Action Center of Iligan
63. Diocesan Social Action Center of Kalibo
64. Diocesan Social Action Center of Kidapawan
65. Diocesan Social Action Center of Legazpi
66. Diocesan Social Action Center of Maasin
67. Diocesan Social Action Center of Mati
68. Diocesan Social Action Center of Pagadian
69. Diocesan Social Action Center of San Carlos
70. Diocesan Social Action Center of Urdaneta
71. Diocesan Social Action Center of Tagbilaran
72. Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center
73. Lipa Archdiocesan Social Action Commission, Inc.
74. Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish in Cagayan de Oro
75. Prelature of Isabela de Basilan Social Action Center
76. Prelature of Marawi Social Action Center
77. Prelature of Infanta – Community Organization of the Philippines (PI-COPI)
78. Sangguniang Layko ng Pilipinas
79. Most Rev. Jose A. Cabantan, DD, Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro
Religious Organizations |
80. Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation
81. Carmelite Missionaries
82. Community Formation Center DOPIM Institute for Ministries, Inc. (CFC-DIMI)
83. Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines (CMSP)
84. Congregation of Our Lady of Cenacle Region of Asia
85. Columban Missionaries
86. Daughter of Charity – Advocacy on Justice, Peace and Human Rights and Integrity of Creation
87. Dominican Family for Justice and Peace – Philippines
88. Familia Community
89. Focolare Movement
90. Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception
91. Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Hearts (c/o Mo. Engracia Baluyut, SFSC)
92. Franciscan Solidarity Movement for Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation
93. La Sallian Institute for the Environment- De La Salle Philippines
94. Marist East Asia Province
95. Mercedarian Missionaries of Berriz (CARES Eco-Spiritual Center)
96. Missionaries of Mary Mother of the Poor
97. Mother Ignacia National Social Apostolate Center, Inc. Inc.
98. Religious of Notre Dame of the Missions
99. Religious of the Good Shepherd Philippines – Japan Province
100. Terra Sisters of the Trinity
NGOs/POs |
101. Adventist Development & Relied Agency
102. Aksyon Kalikasan (Eco-Actions PH)
103. Aksyon sa Kahandaan sa Kalamidad at Klima (AKKMA National Coalition)
104. Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM)
105. Angat Kalikasan Pilipinas
106. Animal Empathy Philippines (AEP)
107. Aral Pinoy.Org Inc
108. Banal na Kagubatan
109. Bayanihan Para sa Kalikasan Movement, Inc.
110. Bayay Sibuyanon
111. Brotherhood of Destiny (BROOD)
112. Center for Energy, Ecology and Development (CEED)
113. Consumer Rights for Safe Food
114. Development Center for Future Leaders, Inc.
115. Earthday Network Philippines
116. Ecowaste Coalition
117. Fellowship for the Care of Creation Association, Inc. (FCCAI)
118. Filipino Inventors Innovation Society
119. Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Environment and Sustainable Economy (Green Convergence)
120. Green Party of the Philippines (GPP-KALIKASAN MUNA)
121. Greenresearch Environmental Research Group
122. Haribon Foundation for the Conservation of Natural Resources, Inc.
123. Hospicio de San Jose
124. Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS)
125. Laudato Si Movement Pilipinas (LSM Pilipinas)
126. Living Laudato Si’ Philippines (LLS)
127. Marinduque Council for Environmental Concerns (MACEC)
128. Medical Mission Sisters – Unit Philippines
129. Mink’a Pilipinas 031223
130. New Families Focolare Movement
131. New Humanity Focolare Movement
132. Partnership for Clean Air
133. Partnership for Sustainable Eonomies, Inc.
134. Philippine Misereor Partnership, Inc. (PMPI)
135. Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ)
136. Philippine Network of Educators for the Environment
137. Philippine Permaculture Association
138. Rights of Nature (RoN) PH
139. Rotary Club Alabang Madrigal Business Park
140. Samahan ng mga Agta Dumagat/Remuntado na Binabaka at Ipinagtatanggol ang Lupaing Ninuno (SAGIBIN-LN)
141. Sanib Lakas Para sa Kalikasan (SALIKA)
142. SARILAYA
143. Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance, Inc. (SSMNAI)
144. Sulong Peace, Incorporated
145. Tribal Center for Development Foundation, Inc. – Infanta, Quezon
146. UNESCO APNIEVE Philippines
147. Zero Waste Philippines, Inc.
Schools |
148. Bulacan State University
149. De La Salle University – Dasmarinas
150. De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute
151. De La Salle University Manila
152. Environmental Studies Institute of Miriam College
153. Lasallian Institute for the Environment – De La Salle Philippines
154. Miriam College
155. Notre Dame of Marbel University
156. Philippine Women’s University Environmental Program
157. Sacred heart College of Lucena
158. SAFI Integrated Learning Academy
159. St. Mary’s College, Quezon City
160. St. Therea College of Cebu
161. St. Theresa’s College, Quezon City
Youth |
162. Save Sierra Madre Youth Volunteers Organization
163. Kabataang Katuwang sa Mapagpaunlad at Produktibong Inisyatibo (KAKAMPI)
164. UGNAYIN National Indigenous Youth Network
Business |
165. INAVET Nutrition Technologies Inc
166. Microbe-Lift Phils.-Inavet Nutrition Technologies Inc.
167. Solid Earth Trading
168. TDP Mgmt Consultancy
169. WEGEN Laudato Si’ Philippines
Government Agency |
170. Commission on Human Rights (CHR)
HAS YOUR GROUP DECLARED CLIMATE EMERGENCY YET?
Find below a link to the template that you can use. Make sure that you clearly define what are your commitments to support climate actions around the world.
