Climate activists in Manila hit Washington’s trilateral summit
Climate advocates stage a protest near the US embassy in Manila on April 11, 2024, ahead of the trilateral meeting of US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. in Washington D.C. They called on both the US and Japan to “Stop Dirty Energy Plans” in Asia, including the construction of more “planet-wrecking gas plants” as well as the promotion of false solutions to counter climate change. They warned the three world leaders against entering into a “dangerous, unholy alliance” to extend the life of fossil fuels under the guise of cooperating on climate mitigation and promoting clean energy. Photos by Jimmy A. Domingo.
Climate activists in Manila hit Washington’s trilateral summit
Activists warned that the meeting of US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. in Washington would advance fossil fuel interests over climate mitigation.
The activists noted the significant roles of the involved countries in the global energy sector. The US is a leading producer and supplier of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
Japan is a major importer and a significant financier of fossil projects globally while the Philippines is increasing its use of gas power plants and LNG terminals.
In a protest rally outside the US embassy in Manila on April 11, the activists called for an end to energy plans in Asia that include further gas plant constructions and the promotion of methods such as fracking, ammonia co-firing, and CCUS (carbon capture, utilization, and storage).
“The trilateral meeting endangers the well-being and future of the peoples of Asia. We demand a transition out of fossil fuels into renewable energy systems, rejecting fossil gas and other solutions that worsen the climate crisis,” said Lidy Nacpil, coordinator of the Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD).
Luke Espiritu of the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino criticized the continued investment in fossil fuels.
“The US and Japan have historically been major contributors to the climate crisis. Despite commitments to end fossil financing, they invest in large gas projects. We reject US or Japanese-funded fossil gas projects in Asia,” said Espiritu.
Patricia Racca, Secretary-General of the Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan, emphasized the need for a transition to renewable energy, adding that the “focus should be on renewable energy transition, not on profits from fossil fuel investments or the militarization of the Asia-Pacific”.
Reports from Global Energy Monitor and Oil Change International underlined the scale of the issue, with the US increasing its fossil fuel production and Japan continuing its financing of fossil fuel projects, contrary to global climate commitments.
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