PETITION
Coal is not the Answer – Shift to Renewable Energy Now!
Energy is a fundamental requirement in the realization of peoples’ rights, social justice and national development. Yet, more than 2 billion people around the world, including majority of Filipinos, are not able to access enough energy to provide for their basic needs. Worse, the world’s energy systems have given rise to one of the gravest challenges humankind face today – global warming and climate change.
The reliance on fossil fuels and the overconsumption of energy by elites and corporations is the biggest contributor to excessive emissions of greenhouse gases which are warming the planet and causing the climate crisis. The Philippines contributed very little to accumulated emissions as compared to rich industrialized countries, but this is no reason to pursue a development pathway that depends on fossil fuels. Filipinos directly experience the devastating impacts of climate change and count among the world’s most vulnerable to its impacts -- we should not contribute to its exacerbation but actively pursue its solution.
More than 70% of electricity in the Philippines is sourced from fossil fuels, primarily from coal. Coal is one of the dirtiest and most harmful of all fossil fuels. Communities hosting coal mines and communities near coal power plans know this fact only too well. Coal is not cheap – it comes at a very high cost in terms of impacts on health, livelihoods, land and agriculture, the local environment, the well-being of people and communities and the climate system of the whole planet. Many recent scientific studies state that 85-90% of the world’s coal should no longer be extracted and burned to in order to prevent catastrophic climate change.
We are therefore deeply and urgently concerned about the proliferation of coal projects in the country. Coal is not the “cheap energy” answer to providing energy for our people for their basic needs and achieving the equitable development for our people and our country. “Clean coal” is not the answer to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions needed to address the climate crisis.
In a recent 2015 study led by the Harvard University looking at the possible health impacts of the existing and expansion of coal plants across the country, if the new coal fired power plants are allowed to operate, premature deaths may increase up to 2,410, or more than double the current number of people dying from coal-related pollution in the Philippines. It is a known fact that coal is not only a climate buster energy source but also the dirtiest and deadliest energy source globally.
The Philippines has a vast potential for renewable, clean and safe energy. Most recent data and experiences show that the cost of producing renewable energy make it an immediately economically viable replacement for coal and other fossil fuel energy. For the sake of people and planet – Renewable, Safe and Clean Energy is the only option.
We urgently demand the government to:
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Immediately implement a moratorium on the issuances of permits of new coal fired power plant applications, including coal mining and coal stockpiles. Cancel all plans, permits and construction of NEW coal projects.
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Immediately review all ECC's issued to all coal plants and projects.
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Mobilize resources – domestic as well as climate finance from developed countries which is part of their obligation under the Climate Convention – and implement a comprehensive program for a quick transition to clean and renewable energy for people and communities.
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Ensure a just transition - implement a program for alternative jobs and livelihoods for all workers and communities that will be economically displaced by the transition to clean and renewable energy;
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Implement a community managed rehabilitation program for all local communities and eco-systems affected by coal -fired plants and coal mines.