By Pat Jared V. Pangantihon
Correspondent
THE Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) Mindanao team, together with the Youth for Climate Justice Cagayan de Oro (Y4CJ- CdeO) conducted a forum entitled “The Climate Crisis & Climate Justice Forum” on November 16 in San Martin, Villanueva.
The participants were composed of the barangay officials, led by Punong Barangay Agustin Sabio, Barangay Health Workers (BHW), and purok leaders. The forum was conducted at the barangay-covered court to ensure proper social distancing for the participants.
“The forum highlights the need to educate the residents on the looming crisis faced by humanity on climate change and the negligence of governments worldwide in addressing this crisis,” said Janelle May Salar of Y4CJ-CdeO.
Of particular note on the forum was the fact that San Martin is host barangay to the Steag State Power Inc, a coal-fired power plant (CFPP), as well as a directly- impacted barangay to another adjacent CFPP, FDC Misamis. Coal plants globally contribute to 20% of the global greenhouse gas emissions according to data sourced by PMCJ.
The forum also discussed the government plan to close coal-fired power plants in Mindanao once it finds the financing needed to improve the generating capacity of the Agus-Pulangi hydropower plant, a move aimed to help address climate change.
