Greenpeace Urges Philippines to End Fossil Fuels and Demand Climate Reparations

In the devastating wake of Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) and the ongoing effects of Super Typhoon Leon (Kong-Rey), Greenpeace has renewed its call for the Philippine government to reduce its fossil fuel dependence and demand reparations for climate-induced loss and damage from the world’s highest emitters. The demand comes as storms ravage the country, leaving lives and livelihoods devastated and triggering serious environmental hazards.

The recent impact of Storm Kristine alone led to over 150 deaths and inflicted PHP 6.5 billion in damage on infrastructure and agriculture, according to government estimates. Kristine’s aftermath also saw a coal barge run aground off Zambales and an oil tanker stranded at a Batangas port. Mere days later, Typhoon Leon struck, intensifying destruction across the region and leading to signal level five warnings in Batanes Province. In just the past six months, storms including Aghon, Butchoy, Carina, Enteng, Julian, and now Kristine and Leon, have collectively led to an estimated 250 fatalities and PHP 25 billion in damages.

Greenpeace campaigner Khevin Yu expressed frustration over the cycle of destruction, saying, “Every year, the stakes are higher for Filipinos who suffer the impacts of climate change. Since July, we’ve had to deal with death and destruction month after month. This shouldn’t continue. The government must demand climate reparations from fossil fuel companies and lead the call for a fossil fuel phaseout.”

Global Climate Action and Climate Finance

From November 11-22, world leaders will gather for the UN Climate Talks, where climate finance is expected to be a central focus. Greenpeace urges the Philippine delegation to champion increased funding, particularly for the Loss and Damage Fund. The organization supports a Climate Damages Tax on high-emission industries, ensuring that the biggest polluters, particularly fossil fuel companies, contribute significantly to climate reparations.

“The Philippines pushed to host the Loss and Damage Fund Board, but what good is this position without substantial funding?” Yu commented. “It would mean much more to Filipinos if President Marcos, Jr. backed his calls for climate justice with action. Filipinos are tired of the never-ending cycle of typhoon destruction. We must demand accountability from wealthy nations and the corporations most responsible for the climate crisis.”

Domestic Climate Policy Misalignment and Environmental Hazards

Despite President Marcos, Jr.’s speeches advocating for renewable energy and climate justice, Greenpeace points out that Philippine energy policies still lean towards increasing fossil fuel use, particularly fossil gas. The country lacks a net-zero commitment, and recent policies indicate potential dependence on hazardous sources like nuclear energy, in addition to existing coal and gas resources.

Greenpeace also expressed serious concerns over the recent surge in oil and coal spills caused by typhoons. In July, Super Typhoon Carina (Gaemi) sank two tankers, resulting in a major oil spill in Bataan. Most recently, Tropical Storm Kristine ran two vessels aground, including an oil tanker in Batangas and a coal barge in Zambales. These incidents pose long-term environmental risks, particularly for coastal communities reliant on fishing for food and income.

“Local communities report fish with an oily smell, but they haven’t received any information from authorities about potential oil spill risks,” Yu said. “This lack of transparency endangers public health and environmental safety. Authorities must ensure open communication, implement safety measures, and hold those responsible accountable.”

Urgent Call for Just Transition and Fossil Fuel Phaseout

As storms intensify and ecological hazards increase, Greenpeace underscores the urgency for the Philippine government to adopt a fossil-free future with a just transition. The President is urged to support the passage of the CLIMA Bill to anchor the nation’s climate action in law. At the UN Climate Talks, Greenpeace calls for the Philippines to push for a global fossil fuel phaseout and demand climate reparations, not only from states but also from high-emission corporations responsible for the climate crisis.

“Storms like Kristine, Leon, and this year’s extreme heat waves highlight the dire need for decisive climate action,” Yu added. “At home, we must end our dependence on fossil fuels, and in the global arena, demand accountability from those whose emissions are causing irreparable harm to our nation and our planet.”