Greenpeace urges new Philippine officials to tackle climate crisis

The Commission on Elections officially declared the results of the 2025 Philippine midterm elections today. In response, Greenpeace Philippines issued a strong call to action for the country’s new lawmakers and local officials: prioritize climate justice and deliver urgent environmental reforms.

Lea Guerrero, Country Director of Greenpeace Philippines, emphasized the crucial role that political leaders must now play in addressing the climate emergency.

“Greenpeace Philippines is challenging newly elected officials to step up political leadership on climate justice and action,” Guerrero stated. “Very few candidates ran with the platform to address the climate emergency, but now the winners must hit the ground running to deliver climate solutions and justice to the millions of Filipinos who are annually assailed by super typhoons and extreme heat.”

[Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash]

With the climate crisis worsening, Guerrero said the next three years are critical for lawmakers to prove their commitment to climate-resilient governance. Greenpeace emphasized that addressing climate change, enhancing disaster preparedness, and enacting systemic environmental reforms should top the political agenda.

“Without urgent, systemic action, the ongoing climate crisis will exacerbate poverty, hunger, and inequality,” Guerrero warned. “Leaders must act urgently.”

Key Demands from Greenpeace Philippines

Greenpeace outlined five urgent priorities for newly elected officials:

Champion climate-resilient communities by improving disaster risk reduction and infrastructure.
Hold big polluters accountable by pushing for policies that make fossil fuel companies pay for climate-related damages.
Back a Just Energy Transition that moves the country away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy.
Promote health-focused climate policies that address air and water pollution, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Mainstream climate justice across all levels of governance, from barangay to national offices.

First Legislative Moves: CLIMA Bill and Plastics Ban

Greenpeace called for immediate support of key legislative measures once the 20th Congress resumes:

Passage of the Climate Accountability (CLIMA) Bill, which aims to make major polluters financially responsible for climate loss and damage.
Enactment of local and national bans on single-use plastics to address plastic pollution at the source.
Rejection of proposed nuclear power projects, which Greenpeace warns are unsafe, expensive, and not a real solution to the country’s energy needs.

“Our message is simple: you were elected to serve the people—now lead like the future depends on it, because it does,” Guerrero concluded.

As the climate crisis deepens, Greenpeace’s demands offer a roadmap for immediate, science-based action to ensure climate justice, environmental protection, and a sustainable future for all Filipinos.