Aquino urged to 50 renewable energy use by 2020

President Benigno Aquino III should commit to
increase renewable energy use in the country to 50 percent by 2020,
Greenpeace said in a news release.

The challenge was made after thousands of people around the planet
joined the 10-10-10 Global Work Party, and served as a follow-up to
Aquino’s proclamation during the 43rd Asean Day celebrations that the
Philippines will be the renewable energy champion in southeast Asia.

“Filipinos all over the country are demanding an energy revolution and
we believe that P.Noy can lead the way. The Philippines can blaze the
trail for the rest of developing Asia by signing on to a Philippine
energy revolution roadmap with a commitment to increase RE in the
country’s energy mix to 50 percent by 2020,” said Amalie Obusan,
Climate and Energy Campaigner of Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

“The clock is ticking while world leaders argue with each other on who
should be making concrete carbon reduction commitments first. If the
Philippines, one of the countries most vulnerable and least prepared
to deal with climate change, is first to make a solid commitment, this
sends out a very strong, urgent message to world leaders that they
should be getting their acts together quickly. President Aquino should
be the man to send such a message.” Obusan added.

For Filipinos, dealing with climate change impacts is not a matter of
theory, but already a challenge in their daily lives.

Climate impacts, such as extreme weather events, are already affecting
the entire country. Even centers of development, such as Metro Manila,
are not spared, as evidenced by the toll that typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana)
took on lives and property a year ago. From highly urbanized Metro
Manila, to remote provinces in Mindanao, and even the country’s top
tourist destination, Boracay Island, climate impacts are sending
people reeling.

“We are joining this movement not just to learn and adopt practical
ways to reduce our own carbon footprints, but to send the message to
world leaders that we need a bigger, more concerted effort, so that
those of us in places like the Philippines can keep on living,” said
Marlo Schoenenberger of Boracay Yuppies, an environment and community
service organization of young professionals based in Boracay, Aklan.

The 10-10-10 Global Work Party—initiated by 350.org and organized by
Greenpeace and Tcktcktck in cooperation with hundreds of organizations
around the world—was the largest day of carbon-cutting action in the
planet’s history. Over 6,000 events were held in 187 countries.

Filipinos joined activities organized by Greenpeace partners in
several cities around Metro Manila, Cavite, Cebu, Iloilo, Negros, and
in the island of Boracay. Climate change forums, energy revolution
road-shows and exhibits, watershed and mangrove rehabilitation, bike
rides, and other public engagement activities were held hand-in-hand
with practical energy efficiency adaptation measures.

Kumi Naidoo, Greenpeace International executive director based in
Amsterdam, said: “The Global Work Party is a challenge to our
politicians for real climate action, not just talk. Citizens in almost
every country are pulling up their sleeves to make the Energy
Revolution a reality. The demand to our political leaders couldn’t be
clearer: ‘We are acting on climate, it’s time for politicians to do
the same.’”

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