MANILA, PHILIPPINES, September 20, 2024 – Students and climate advocates at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) joined climate activists for this year’s Global Climate Strike under the theme “End the Era of Fossil Fuels.” The strike called for urgent, fair, and equitable solutions to phase out fossil fuels, focusing on redistributing the burdens and benefits, especially for marginalized and vulnerable communities. Organized jointly  by 350 Pilipinas, Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines, Agham Youth-PUP, the university’s administration, and the Office of the Student Regent, the event wrapped up the PUP’s Climate Week, held from September 16 to 20, 2024.

A a giant banner reading “Fund Our Future, Go Fossil Free,” was unfurled emphasizing the urgent need to redirect financial flows away from fossil fuel projects and invest heavily in community-owned renewable energy. The event also featured a climate march and performances by local artists.

“Energy transition finance must be clean, transparent, and driven by communities. We need to move away from harmful solutions like dams, nuclear, waste-to-energy or fossil gas disguised as ‘transition fuel.’ The shift to decentralized renewable energy should be powered by grants, not loans, with full accountability and respect for local communities at every step,” said Fread De Mesa, Regional Campaigner for 350.org Asia. “Anything less isn’t a transition—it’s a failure,” he emphasized.

Climate and student activists carry banners as they join a protest under the theme “End the Era of Fossil Fuels” at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Manila on Friday. September 20, 2024. The strike, organized by various environmental groups including 350 Pilipinas, called for urgent, fair and equitable solutions to phase out fossil fuels and shift to renewable energy.

The week-long activities called on world leaders, national governments  and financial institutions to take responsibility for harmful projects and weak climate responses. At the same time, they promoted sustainable solutions like active transport, inclusive mobility, and community-owned renewable energy projects to help people adapt and thrive in today’s changing climate.

Climate action is essential, as highlighted by Jawo Jayme, Campus Organizer from 350 Pilipinas: “Climate justice isn’t just a buzzword; it’s about equity, empowerment, and real change. Let’s reject victimhood and empty slogans—this is our moment to turn the crisis into a call for action, resistance, and a sustainable future for all.”

Jim Fernando, Director of the Office of Student Services, noted, “Universities are essential in the fight against climate change, serving as vital hubs for reducing carbon emissions and building resilience that delivers measurable results and meets community needs. Together, through partnerships among university leaders, faculty, and students, we can tackle climate change and create vibrant communities that envision and realize a fossil-free future.”

“The youth are striking today because we know that the Philippines, an island nation on the frontlines of the climate crisis, faces devastating impacts from extreme weather, rising seas, and resource shortages that ravage agriculture, health, and infrastructure. To thrive, we must confront the structural inequalities that deepen these vulnerabilities. Climate justice demands that we dismantle disparities and amplify the voices of marginalized communities, creating inclusive solutions that empower and build resilience for a just, sustainable future,” said Hon. Kim Modelo, PUP Student Regent.The Global Climate Strike is a unified call to End the Era of Fossil Fuels, driven by Indigenous and First Nations, youth 

activists, civil society organizations, social movements, feminist and migrant rights groups, trade unions, faith institutions, academic centers, health organizations, and people of all genders and backgrounds worldwide.

ABOUT: 350 Pilipinas is an advocacy organization that works for climate action based on the realities of science and grounded on the principles of justice by holding creative actions calling on governments and institutions to address the climate crisis.

CONTACT:

• Nadia Cruz, Media Officer 350 Pilipinas, [email protected], +639770130207