Filipino climate activists marked the Global Day of Action for Climate Justice with protest actions in Manila and Glasgow to demand justice and accountability from governments and big carbon polluters.

In the Philippines, more than 150 climate activists and environmental defenders marched for 1.5 kilometers from the University of the Philippines to the main office of the Commission on Human Rights, symbolizing the 1.5ºC limit target for global warming.

Leon Dulce of Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment, one of the lead organizers of the Philippine leg of the climate march, said, “Filipinos really took to the streets and tweets yesterday to demand top polluter nations and corporations to stop stalling the need for drastic carbon emission cuts and multi-trillion dollar just compensation for vulnerable nations.” 

“I think it’s also frustration over the lack of climate action from our national government despite the cautionary tale of the foursome typhoons we experienced last year,” he added. 

In Glasgow, United Kingdom, where the 2021 Conference of Parties (COP26) is happening, Filipino climate activists joined the thousands who marched to urge nations to bring out concrete ecological actions. 

Rodne Galicha, executive director of Living Laudato Si Philippines, said COP26 is an “opportunity to address losses and damages, both for humanity and ecosystems.”

“Climate action is not only about common but differentiated responsibilities but a collective conscience and uncompromised moral imperative towards intergenerational justice, equity and common good,” said Galicha.

Today marks the 8th anniversary of the devastation of Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. More than a thousand people are still missing. 

“Year after year thenceforth, the intensity of extreme weather conditions is increasing,” said Galicha. “Now, not tomorrow is the time to act.”

Photos by Adrian Tambuyat and Mark Z. Saludes in Manila; John Leo Algo in Glasgow, Scotland