Greenpeace urges action amidst Tropical Storm ‘Kristine’

As Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) wreaks havoc across the Bicol Region, Eastern Samar, and other provinces with intense rainfall and escalating winds, Greenpeace is calling for immediate and decisive climate action from the Philippine government.

The Urgency of Climate Action

Greenpeace Philippines campaigner Khevin Yu emphasizes the need for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to translate his words into meaningful action regarding climate justice. “Tropical Storm Kristine is yet another reason why the President must address the ongoing climate crisis,” Yu states. “This marks the third devastating weather event to hit the Philippines this year. Filipinos need action, not lip service.”

The Philippines is consistently ranked among the countries most vulnerable to climate impacts. As the host of the UN Loss and Damage Fund Board, the nation should lead global efforts to secure the necessary funding—potentially amounting to trillions of dollars—to combat loss and damage from climate-related disasters. Yu insists that President Marcos Jr. must advocate for climate polluters to take financial responsibility for the destruction caused by their activities.

Who Should Pay for Climate Damage?

“It is imperative that the government and citizens are not left to bear the financial burden of disaster recovery, infrastructure improvements, and community rehabilitation alone,” Yu argues. “Oil and gas companies, the primary contributors to the climate crisis, should be held accountable for their role in causing loss and damage.”

Research increasingly supports the link between climate change and the increased intensity and frequency of typhoons. A study by World Weather Attribution indicated that human-induced climate change intensified Typhoon Carina, highlighting the urgent need for accountability from industrial polluters. Similar studies analyzing the impacts of Hurricanes Milton and Helene have reached the same conclusions, further emphasizing the need for climate action.

The CLIMA Bill: A Step Toward Accountability

Domestically, Greenpeace urges President Marcos Jr. to prioritize the passage of the Climate Accountability (CLIMA) Bill. This proposed legislation mandates that companies actively address climate change and mitigate harm to vulnerable communities. If enacted, the CLIMA Law would enhance the Philippines’ climate policy framework and set stringent regulations for corporate transitions, elevating global standards for loss and damage accountability.

Demand for Climate Justice

Greenpeace is calling on the Marcos administration to move beyond mere disaster response and to demand climate justice. “We cannot ignore the reality of what we are experiencing and what the science indicates; the situation is dire,” Yu warns. “The time for decisive climate action should have come long ago. It is crucial that we act now to protect our communities and environment.”

As Tropical Storm Kristine continues to impact the Philippines, the urgency for a comprehensive and equitable response to the climate crisis becomes ever clearer. Greenpeace urges all stakeholders to join in advocating for stronger climate action, holding accountable those who contribute to environmental degradation, and ensuring that affected communities receive the support they need to recover and thrive.