Environmental Group Calls for Climate Crisis Accountability
Just days before President Marcos’ fourth state of the nation address, an environmental group has urged him to hold the biggest contributors of the climate crisis accountable and make them pay their fair share. Greenpeace Philippines staged a creative protest to emphasize this demand, highlighting the urgent need for action.
The group set up banners and a cardboard cutout of President Marcos behind a podium in a flooded neighborhood in Cainta, Rizal. This symbolic protest took place after heavy flooding devastated Metro Manila and many areas in Luzon and Visayas, caused by Severe Tropical Storm Crising (Wipha), the southwest monsoon (habagat), and a low-pressure area.
Floods Displace Thousands Amid Climate Crisis Debate
As of Wednesday evening, over 149,000 Filipinos have been displaced, and seven deaths were reported due to the combined effects of the habagat and tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. The scale of displacement and damage underscores the urgent call to address climate change.
“While Filipinos wade through floodwaters, President Marcos is abroad, meeting with US President Donald Trump. We need him to come home to the true state of the nation: one where communities pay the price for a crisis they didn’t cause, while huge corporate polluters—giant oil and gas companies—rake in trillions,” said Virginia Benosa-Llorin, senior campaigner for Greenpeace Philippines.
She added, “The climate crisis is an unfair burden on communities and on taxpayers who are shouldering the costs and burden of the never-ending response and relief activities.”
International Court of Justice to Weigh In on Climate Obligations
The protest also coincided with the anticipated advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on climate change. This opinion is expected to clarify countries’ responsibilities to prevent climate change and describe the consequences of failing to act.
Requested by a coalition of small island nations led by Vanuatu and supported by over 100 countries including the Philippines, the ICJ’s ruling is scheduled for release on July 23. In 2024, a former foreign affairs official noted that the opinion would provide the “moral and legal clarity” necessary to confront the climate crisis.
“The Philippines is committed to shaping a global framework that ensures justice for those most affected by the climate crisis and secures a sustainable future for all,” local leaders noted.
Demanding More Than Words: The Push for Climate Justice
Greenpeace Philippines insists that meaningful action must follow words. Benosa-Llorin said, “We want more than speeches. We want action. Support stronger climate policies, end support for fossil fuel expansion, and fast-track the passage of the CLIMA Bill.”
The CLIMA Bill, or House Bill No. 9609, known as the “Climate Accountability Act,” was introduced in Congress in 2023. It aims to protect vulnerable communities from climate change impacts and hold both corporations and the government accountable for climate-related violations.
Despite President Marcos’ public claims of championing climate justice—such as bidding to host the Loss and Damage Fund Board and announcing flood control budgets—Greenpeace points out that his administration continues backing fossil fuel expansion. Meanwhile, communities remain exposed to risks and polluters evade responsibility.
“Despite President Marcos’ public claims of pursuing climate justice, from bidding to host the Loss and Damage Fund (FRLD) Board to announcing flood control budgets, his administration continues to support fossil fuel expansion. Meanwhile, communities remain vulnerable, and polluters untouched,” the group emphasized.
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