Statement
Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment
January 22, 2025
MANILA — We at Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE) strongly condemn the United States’ decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord and its move to double down on fossil fuel production. These actions are a blatant rejection of global cooperation and science-backed solutions to combat the worsening climate crisis, as well as a betrayal of the planet and the most vulnerable communities worldwide.
At a time when the world is reeling from the devastating impacts of climate change—unprecedented wildfires, intensifying hurricanes, and rising global temperatures—such decisions undermine urgent efforts to address the root causes of this planetary emergency. This disregard for environmental responsibility is particularly alarming as the United States, one of the largest historical polluters, bears a moral and legal obligation to lead in addressing the climate crisis. Between 1850 and 2021, the U.S. released a staggering 509 billion tonnes of cumulative CO2 emissions—far surpassing any other nation. This legacy of carbon colonialism has transformed our oceans into breeding grounds for typhoons, with ocean temperatures increasing at a troubling rate of 0.13°C per decade since 1901. This warming has directly fueled the unprecedented storm and wildfire activity we are witnessing today.
Trump’s already infamous quote from his inaugural speech yesterday, “Drill, baby, drill!”, prioritizes short-term profits for fossil fuel corporations over the long-term welfare of people and the planet through the expansion of oil and gas drilling, alongside the rollback of environmental regulations. This dangerous pivot not only exacerbates greenhouse gas emissions but also threatens marginalized communities, including those in the Global South, who are already bearing the brunt of climate impacts.
Currently, there are five existing EDCA sites in the country with four additional sites planned or currently being built in Balabac Island in Palawan; Naval Base Camilo Osias in Santa Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan; and Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela. There have been reports of agricultural lands being leveled and communities displaced due to the Balikatan exercises. We cannot depend on US intervention in the conflict between China and the Philippines, especially as increased US-led naval activities in the West Philippine Sea continue to heighten tensions in the region.
“Put America first” means larger environmental destruction and attacks on environmental defenders, and more expansion of the US military in the country. We have seen this under his first term and through his local puppet, Rodrigo Dutete. Continuing now to Marcos Jr., Kalikasan has recorded at least 32 cases of enforced disappearances involving environmental defenders.
Donald Trump once again serves as the current figurehead for US imperialism. We must fight it collectively for the betterment of the planet. We call on everyone to condemn and hold the top emitters accountable for their regressive actions and pay up for their role in the climate crisis.
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