The Philippines’ commitment to the Paris Agreement must be reflected in the country’s national energy policy, activists urged Monday.
Under the landmark agreement, countries who are signatories are to contribute towards the global goal of bringing down carbon emmissions through nationally imposed limits.
Citing the social costs of coal operations, lawyer Aaron Pedrosa of Sanlakas said a review of the country’s energy policy should be done to meet international standards.
“The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) has yet to reflect this commitment, and its troubling pronouncements on continuing to rely on coal for the next decades, increasing indigenous coal extraction by 100%, and turning to nuclear energy only raises additional concerns, rather than being consistent with the Paris Agreement,” he said in a press conference.
“Not only is the Philippines the second most vulnerable country to disasters brought about by the climate crisis, of which coal use is the leading cause, the Filipino people also suffer directly from each stage of the coal life cycle, threatening their health, natural resources and livelihood,” he added.
Duterte initially hesitated to support the ratification of the Paris Agreement but later on expressed commitment to the international instrument.
