Greenpeace Philippines called on the government to take action as the country grapples with a severe El Niño, worsened by the climate crisis.
Temperatures and heat indexes have soared across the Philippines in recent weeks, reaching dangerous levels and impacting vulnerable communities.
“The Philippines is in the grip of a severe El Niño, with its impacts aggravated by the climate crisis,” said Greenpeace Philippines campaigner Khevin Yu.
“These record-breaking temperatures are affecting farmers, students, senior citizens, and many others already struggling with the effects of climate change,” he said.
Greenpeace is calling for a multi-pronged approach to address the crisis and build resilience for the future.
The group called for a shift to sustainable agriculture that is more environmentally friendly and follows a climate-resistant model, which the group said is crucial to ensure food security and support Filipino farmers.
It urged increased investment in ecological agriculture, including programs that empower farmers with the knowledge and resources to adapt to a changing climate.
Greenpeace also called for the creation and implementation of a food policy that addresses food security, nutrition, and environmental concerns is essential, and reiterated the call to accelerate the shift towards renewable energy sources to lessen reliance on water-intensive power generation during El Niño events.
“The burden of climate change shouldn’t fall solely on communities already facing its harshest consequences,” Yu said. “The government must hold oil and gas companies responsible for the suffering of Filipinos.”
