Caritas Philippines president and Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo has called for heightened plans and action against the worsening climate situation.

“There is no question that solutions to the climate emergency must be urgently scaled up and improved in their implementation,” said Bishop Bagaforo in a CBCP News post. 

The Church leader issued the statement during the 10th year commemoration of the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda in Leyte, Wednesday, Nov. 8.

“There is a need for increased funding and implementation of action to support the most vulnerable nations, including the Philippines, in dealing with the climate crisis,” he added.

Bishop Bagaforo stressed actions to address the climate crisis must focus on the root of the problem.

Scientists have said that human emissions of greenhouse gases — primarily from burning fossil fuels — are the cause of global warming. 

“Without directly dealing with the source of the problem, other actions would only temporarily alleviate adverse effects,” the bishop said.

It also emphasized the need to fully implement previous agreements to keep global warming below 1.5 degree celsius. 

“Keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius can only be achieved through a just transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy,” the prelate said.

Bishop Bagaforo appealed for the Vatican to host a gathering of representatives from dioceses, parishes, faith-based organizations, and other stakeholders “as a consultative mechanism to strengthen its climate positions. This interconnectedness exists within all of creation and gives inherent dignity and value to every being, which must be protected and upheld by all nations and individuals,” he said.

Caritas Philippines officials led by Bishop Bagaforo, on Wednesday, Nov. 8,  attended the commemoration of Yolanda’s 10th anniversary in Leyte province. The super typhoon killed more than 6,000 people and injured thousands more.

Bishop Bagaforo said the typhoon was a wake-up call to the world about the dangers confronting humankind in the era of climate crisis. 
 

“No longer was climate change viewed as just another environmental issue. The case of Yolanda was also a lesson about loss and damage. It is a warning for all of us, especially our leaders in governance, to avoid implementing the same decisions and strategies that have led to the climate emergency and other manifestations of the current ecological crisis,” the bishop stressed.