Young people energize the just transition in the Philippines

FES Philippines: What transition do you want to see in the sector you belong to? Why is this transition important to you?

Cheng: Young people are among the most heavily affected by the climate crisis and also at the frontlines in pushing progressive ideas and actions towards climate justice. But right now, there’s still a gap in engaging a wider network of youth in weather- and climate-vulnerable communities.

I wish to see a strong local movement of youth advocates and activists for just transition who bring unique stories and solutions to their own communities. Because the just transition discourse does not only talk about technological solutions to the intersectional issue of climate crisis but also about the future we want for ourselves.

Tonic: What we envision with Reboot Philippines is a just and democratic transition to 100% renewable energy in the Philippines. As part of today’s youth belonging to the energy and built environment sector, it's imperative that while we aim for nationwide progress in energy access, security, and sustainability, we ensure that this shift also addresses present systematic gaps and inequalities. Progress should not come at the expense of the people as its proponents for change. Achieving this balance is important to me as a Filipina taking part in nation-building through my advocacy and my profession and as a young leader creating a unified voice for youth in the discussion of sustainability in the Philippines.

Camille: I would like to see a just, inclusive and equitable transition in the maritime sector as the industry races to reach the ambitious climate targets it has set to achieve – 45% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 and net-zero by 2050. A just transition is important to me because we, in the trade union movement, have made it our mission to prioritize the rights, welfare and overall wellbeing of seafarers. We stand in solidarity with the maritime industry and other stakeholders across sectors in the collective goal to combat climate change and to push for a more sustainable and resilient global supply chain. But it is imperative to put the human element—the workers—at the heart of the transition. After all, they are the warm bodies—the hands that literally move the supply chains and the global economy. The labour sector is the backbone of every industry. Hence, in the monumental transition to a greener world, workers, both men and women, must have equitable access to opportunities to education, upskilling, retraining and green jobs. Everyone must be onboard—no one should be left behind.

FES Philippines: How do you feel about being part of a youth network pushing for just transition and how did the network help you?

Camille: I really feel the solidarity within the Just Transition Network spearheaded by FES. Through the Y4JT Network, I was able to see the different perspectives of young climate activists from various sectors, which gave me a clearer sense of the reality outside of the industry I am in, and a bigger picture of the climate movement in the country. I have been learning a lot from my comrades in the network.

Tonic: Seeing the youth as partners for sustainability unlocks a sector composing the 56% of our population that can potentially become a demographic dividend. Global issues like the pandemic and the climate crisis need action that can be supported locally - but these actions still need local and sectoral interpretation. Members of this Y4JT Network consists of regions and sectors representing the localized movement towards how a just transition can happen in the Philippines. While I’m already awed by the impact made by the other member organizations of this network in their respective localities and sectors, I look forward to how much more can be done together in pushing for just transition as a youth network.

Cheng: I am very grateful for being part of this diverse network which also, for me, is a space for healthy discussion and ideation on the just transition process in the respective sectors we represent. It was also interesting how this network as a platform brings diverse perspectives on how the climate crisis affects us and how we see ourselves as part of the just transition movement.

FES Philippines: The Y4JT network has come up with a Youth Agenda that serves as their roadmap in their participation on the just transition processes happening in the Philippines. This functions as the network’s dream map towards achieving the Just Transitions in their respective sectors. Are you hopeful that this will come to fruition?

Tonic: I am hopeful and even confident that the youth agenda will come into fruition in the Philippines. Today’s climate emergency calls for solutions that are equal in urgency and intensity and having the meaningful participation of youth is an insurance for its continuity in the future of our country.

Cheng: While the horrors of climate change are already happening, we are seeing a huge demand for climate-just solutions from young people like us in the Philippines. Our task is challenging, but I remain hopeful that we can forward and mainstream just transition in the country.

Camille: It is very encouraging to see a lot of young people who are interested to get involved and to learn about our Just Transition agenda. Yes, there are tonnes of challenges ahead of us but I believe we just have to keep going, stay firm and committed, educate and mobilize more people. I think if we can build our momentum and have a collective voice in society, we will eventually be able to fulfill our agenda in the Philippines.