Unity, innovation in climate activism stressed
Filipino youth climate leaders who have trained under the Climate Reality Project founded by Nobel laureate and former United States Vice President Al Gore have underscored the significance of unity and innovation in climate activism, especially in the time of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
The youth leaders shared their climate initiatives across various sectors in an online discussion organized by the Climate Change Commission and Antique Rep. Loren Legarda last July 30.
"Youth activism around the world is wildly important to us, especially at this crucial time. We understand that tomorrow’s leaders need to have the space today. But we’ve found out that the youth are already the leaders of today," The Climate Reality Project International Program Director Ethan Spaner said.
"We could learn a lot by listening to our young leaders in our country, especially the Filipino youth who are passionate and fighting for their lives. They give me hope," he added.
The Climate Reality Project has concluded its July 2020 Global Training, with the Philippines having the highest number of engaged trainees at 427.
Paula Bernasor, project manager and experience designer from Talisay, Cebu, emphasized the significance of mobilizing local resources and utilizing digital platforms in promoting advocacies.
"I see the future of activism as more of sharing resources. Digital platforms are powerful tools for convincing and teaching inequality, food security, and climate change," she said. "Climate activism does not need a big budget, it just needs you."
Verne Energy Solutions and CEO Johnny Altomonte talked about greening the local government units (LGUs).
"Renewable energy and energy efficiency also addresses multiple issues for LGUs, including water access, women empowerment, and livelihood opportunities," he said.
"Early on, I realized that my patients are not just the people, it’s also the planet. Both people and the planet are currently sick. As we talk about COVID, we know that the backdrop is a climate crisis," said Renzo Guinto, chief planetary doctor of PH Lab.
He also called for the greening of the country’s healthcare system.
"In an increasingly warming planet, the risk for infectious diseases becomes so high. There are old infectious diseases that we expect to reemerge and new ones to emerge. It’s no surprise that COVID-19 happened given our warming planet, globalization, and encroachment in our forests and ecosystems," he added.