Quezon City backs call for climate justice

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government has expressed its support for local advocacy groups and civil society organizations pushing for climate justice as world leaders, including the Philippine delegation, are currently gathered in Egypt for the United Nations 27th Session of Conference of the Parties (COP27).

“We welcome all forms of freedom of expression, especially in our advocacy in promoting climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives. The city is strongly encouraging people’s participation for this cause as everyone, regardless of their age or economic status, is affected by global climate change,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

Belmonte issued the statement as advocacy groups and civil society organizations are set to gather at the Quezon City Memorial Circle tomorrow to urge government officials attending the COP27 in Egypt as well as the 17th Group of 20 (G20) Summit in Indonesia to “deliver solutions to the global climate and economic crises.”

Quezon City is known as one of the leading cities in the Philippines pushing for climate resilience and use of clean energy.

In 2019, the city declared a climate emergency, which initiated the establishment of clean, sustainable and environment-friendly programs.

It is also the only city in the Philippines which belongs to the C40 Cities, a global network of mayors taking urgent action to confront the climate crisis and create a future where everyone can thrive.

During the C40 Cities World Mayors Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October, Belmonte reiterated her call on international climate financing institutions to work with cities to support the implementation of their climate action plans for them to achieve their mitigation and adaptation targets.