BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines — Local activists here weigh in on the claims of Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who was quoted by national media as saying that climate justice could not be achieved under a fascist president, referring to the current Philippine President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos, Jr.
Marcos, in his address before the United Nations General Assembly, cited climate change as one of the urgent concerns that nations must address.
Climate advocate Juan Miguel Yulo, on the other hand, said it is “too early” to say that climate justice will be achieved now or in the future.
described as an international climate activist, was quoted as saying that climate justice can never be achieved under a Marcos leadership as she and two other “environment activists” added climate justice can never be achieved under “fascist leaders.” What do you think?
“It is too early to say if climate justice will be achieved under this Presidency or the presidencies after. Is the President a fascist? Not yet,” Yulo tells DNX when sought for a reaction.
Yulo also added that the President does not seem to be in control of the country’s climate agenda although the issue on climate change was mentioned during Marcos’ address to the latest UNGA.
On the other hand, climate activist Junjun Mojica, when sought for comment, told DNX that it is indeed difficult to fight for climate and environmental justice when one is faced with fascism and violence from all fronts.
“There should be enough democratic space for environmental activists to fight for the rights of the environment and people without the threat of being harmed,” Mojica added.
Yulo also cited several issues that Marcos should address to achieve climate justice.
Among these, he said, are the plans to use liquefied natural gas, which is imported, as bridge fuel essential to Renewable Energy transition, as well as the lifting of the
open pit mining ban in Mindanao to help with economic recovery.
Armed men are also being used and not even apprehended in the Masungi Georeserve dispute.
All these, are issues that need to be resolved first before climate justice could even be achieved.
