Environment and climate activists are pinning their hopes to the religious leaders and to Pope Francis, rather than on politicians, on the need for ecology, climate change and environmental protection.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-National Secretariat for Social Action (CBCP-NASA) and the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) with more than 100 networks appealed to Pope Francis for “moral leadership” in seeking solidarity and justice for communities affected by habitat destruction and climate change impacts.
Pope Francis is in the Philippines, home to Asia’s largest Catholic population, from January 15-19 following a two-day visit to Sri Lanka.
“Climate change is an issue that is clearly related to our Christian responsibility to care for the earth and to care for the poor and vulnerable in our midst,” said Fr Edwin Gariguez, executive secretary of the CBCP-NASA. “ All those principles are at stake of being violated when we do not avert or address the cause of climate change.”
Gerry Arances, national coordinator of PMCJ, argued that the moral leadership of the religious institutions is an important aspect in encouraging governments to engage in addressing the issues on environment and climate change.
“We apeal for the Church to encourage governments and political leaders to work together and come into a global goal, based on science, of limiting warming to the safest level which is below 2 degrees,” Arances added. “Investment in fossil fuel companies and in eco-destructive projects is synoymous in supporting the destruction of our future.”
The CBP-NASA and PMCJ also encouraged Pope Francis to be one with them in demanding governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a deliberate large-scale intervention; fairly and equitable share the global emissions budget; ensure the welfare and rights of people amid the climate crisis; and put an end to false solutions, the expansion of carbon markets and corporate domination in climate negotiations, and translating these commitments into concrete polices.
PMCJ and CBP-NASA enjoined the Pope to support divestment in ecologically hazardous projects and in fossil fuels by classifying 3% of oil, 49% of gas and 82% of coals unburnable reserves in order to prevent dangerous climate change.
“We welcome Pope Francis withe hope that our advocacy for the care of the earth and for genuine development and justice for the poor will be taken up as part of the major agenda for his pastoral visit,”Fr. Gariguez added.
No to mining, too
At least 23 other environmental groups and four Catholic bishops also appealed to Pope Francis to intervene on the issue of ecological devastation and human rights violations brought about by large-scale mining operations in the Philippines.
“We are appealing to Pope Francis and the Catholic Church to support the call of the Filipino people to stop large-scale mining plunder and destruction in the Philippines. The mining liberalization policy in the past two decades have led to the destruction of marine and freshwater ecosystems, denudation of forests, and displacement of peoples. As a result, communities suffer from worsening poverty and are more vulnerable to climate change impacts,” said Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of environmental activist group Kalikasan PNE.
Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes, former Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Yniquez Jr., Eastern Samar Bishop Crispin Varquez, and Palawan Bishop Pedro Arigo are among the bishops who signed the letter.
Environmental groups that signed the letter are Kalikasan PNE, Defend Patrimony Alliance, Panalipdan Mindanao, Cordillera People’s Alliance, People’s Surge, 350.org PH, Marinduque Center for Environmental Concerns, AGHAM, Sulong Kiblawan Para sa Kalikasan, UP Saribuhay, Homonhon Enviornmental Rescue Organization among others.
The group said that the Pope’s visit in Asia and Philippines is part of His preparation in formulating an Encyclical on Climate Change which will educate and instruct the Catholic Church hierarchy to act on environmental and climate change issues.
“The Catholic Church in the Philippines has always been concerned about the ecological destruction and community displacement caused by corporate mining in the country. Testament to this are the statements issued by Catholic Bishop of the Philippines (CBCP) raising concerns on the government’s mining policy. Bishops and priests are active in local and national movements for the protection of the environment and defense of communities against large-scale mining,” said Bishop Yniguez, convenor of Stewards of Creation, an ecumenical group opposing big mining in the Philippines.
Photo credit: Kalikasan PNE
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