25-7-2023 (MANILA) President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. briefly touched on climate change in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), but environmental groups were left unsatisfied, seeking more concrete actions to address the country’s pressing environmental issues.
During his first year in office, Marcos frequently emphasized the importance of addressing climate change and safeguarding the environment in his speeches both domestically and internationally.
In his recent SONA, Marcos reiterated the need to tackle climate change and emphasized his administration’s commitment to integrating climate change considerations in national policies. He mentioned the development of green and blue economies, the protection and preservation of forests, and the country’s commitment to global decarbonization goals. Additionally, he discussed the adoption of a “circular economy” to promote resource efficiency and minimize environmental impacts and greenhouse gas emissions. However, despite acknowledging these priorities, no specific policies or programs were mentioned to achieve these goals.
Greenpeace criticized the SONA, stating that it failed to accurately reflect the true state of the nation and overlooked crucial actions needed to address the climate crisis, exacerbated by a severe El Niño. The Philippines is heavily affected by extreme climate events, disproportionately impacting vulnerable rural communities.
Regarding disaster response, Marcos highlighted the government’s efforts to reorganize response teams to be more adaptable and effective during calamities. He also mentioned upgrading evacuation centers to withstand extreme weather events. However, Greenpeace campaigner Jefferson Chua questioned the president’s claim of being “over-prepared” for natural disasters, citing the need for a comprehensive whole-of-society approach to address the climate crisis.
Notably, President Marcos did not address the first major environmental disaster of his administration – the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro. Protect Verde Island Passage, a coalition advocating for the protection of the marine corridor, expressed disappointment at the omission and questioned whether the crisis had been forgotten. They pointed out that Marcos had previously committed to resolving the crisis within four months.
Environmental groups also raised concerns about the lack of recognition of indigenous peoples and escalating attacks against environmental defenders. President Marcos’ promotion of renewable energy did not acknowledge its link to the intensification of mining for energy transition metals, according to Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center executive director E.M. Taqueban.
The need for immediate and comprehensive action to address environmental challenges, safeguard communities, and ensure a sustainable future remains a pressing concern, as highlighted by climate scientists and the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. As the nation faces critical environmental issues, green groups are urging the government to take more assertive and proactive steps in implementing practical solutions.
