Introducing The Climate Justice Walk: Empowering People’s Journey for Climate Justice

Climate Justice Walk 2023: A People’s Journey for Climate Justice

In a powerful demonstration of solidarity and a call to action, 12 core Climate Walkers and supporters have embarked on a month-long journey from Manila to Tacloban for the Climate Justice Walk 2023: A People’s Journey for Climate Justice. This walk, which commemorates the 10th anniversary of Typhoon Haiyan’s devastating impact on the Philippines, aims to amplify the demand for climate justice and urgent action from world leaders to address the climate crisis.

Retracing the Steps

The Climate Justice Walk will retrace the path of the first climate walk held in 2014, starting from Kilometer Zero in Rizal Park, Manila, and concluding at ‘Ground Zero’ in Tacloban, the area most impacted by Typhoon Haiyan. The 1000-kilometer journey, which will be completed on foot and by bicycle, will culminate on November 7, 2023, on the eve of the Haiyan 10th anniversary, with the Climate Walkers meeting and joining local storm survivors and impacted communities as they cross the iconic San Juanico bridge on their way to Tacloban.

This solemn walk serves as a powerful testament to the millions of Filipinos who were profoundly affected by Typhoon Haiyan, reminding the world of the ongoing need for climate justice and urgent action. Naderev “Yeb” Saño, Lead Walker and Executive Director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia, emphasizes the importance of global ambition and the need to address the climate emergency:

“The importance of conscious and intentional global ambition is all the more urgent as more and more people are reeling from the climate emergency’s impacts. Filipinos refuse to accept the vicious cycle of destruction and reconstruction. We also refuse to accept that we are reduced to numbers, so it is our aim to remind the whole world.”

The Urgency of Climate Action

The Climate Justice Walk takes place at a time when the urgency of climate action has never been clearer or more dire. With recent extreme weather events, including torrential rains causing massive flooding in various parts of the world and record-breaking wildfires ravaging forests, the need to address the climate crisis is undeniable.

Furthermore, the Climate Justice Walk supports the surge of climate litigation cases worldwide, including the Philippine Commission on Human Rights’ inquiry, which holds big fossil fuel companies and other corporate entities accountable for their climate-destroying business models that lead to human rights harms.

The Call for Climate Reparations

The Climate Justice Walk sends a clear message to world governments to intensify their ambition for the Global Stocktake, mobilize essential resources for the Loss and Damage Fund of the UNFCCC, and elevate the call for climate reparations. The walk demands that those responsible for the largest contributions to global emissions, including major corporations like BHP Billiton, BP, ExxonMobil, Shell, and more, be held accountable for the environmental and social damages caused.

Editorial: Demanding Justice on a Global Scale

The Climate Justice Walk is a poignant reminder of the ongoing effects of climate change and the urgent need for global action. It highlights the power of collective action and solidarity in inspiring change and demanding justice.

Climate change knows no borders, and its consequences are felt disproportionately by vulnerable countries and communities. The Climate Justice Walk amplifies the voices of those most affected and challenges world leaders to respond with concrete actions to address the climate crisis.

While individual lifestyle changes can contribute to reducing carbon footprints, the responsibility lies with governments, corporations, and global institutions to implement effective policies and regulations that prioritize the well-being of people and the planet. The demand for climate justice requires systemic change that goes beyond individual actions.

The Climate Justice Walk also underscores the importance of accountability and holding those responsible for environmental degradation accountable for their actions. It is essential to recognize the role played by major corporations in contributing to climate change and demand that they take responsibility for the damages caused.

As the world faces the challenges of climate change, it is imperative that governments and corporations collaborate to transition to sustainable and renewable energy sources, invest in climate resilience measures, and support vulnerable communities in adapting to the changing climate.

Advice: Taking Action in the Face of Climate Change

The Climate Justice Walk serves as a call to action for individuals, governments, and corporations alike. Here are some key steps that can be taken to address the climate crisis:

Individual Actions:

• Reduce personal carbon footprint by conserving energy, using public transportation, and adopting sustainable practices.
• Support and advocate for renewable energy sources in personal and professional spheres.
• Get involved in local climate action initiatives and organizations.

Government Actions:

• Implement and enforce policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development.
• Invest in renewable energy infrastructure and support research and development of clean technologies.
• Allocate sufficient funds for climate adaptation and resilience measures.

Corporate Actions:

• Transition to sustainable business practices, reducing emissions and promoting circular economy principles.
• Invest in renewable energy sources and technologies.
• Set ambitious emissions reduction targets and regularly report progress.

The Climate Justice Walk demonstrates the urgency and importance of collective action in addressing the climate crisis. By taking individual and collective responsibility, demanding accountability, and pushing for systemic changes, we can work towards a more just and sustainable future for all.

ClimateChange–climatejustice,climateactivism,environmentaljustice,climatechange,socialjustice,climateaction,climatemovement,climateadvocacy,climatesolutions,climateawareness