MANILA. About 2,000 people joined a Family Bike Action Day in Quezon City as part of an Asia-wide series of “Pedal For People and Planet” that started in 2021.
The participants, comprised of advocacy groups, students, parents, and children, cycled around the University of the Philippines (UP) Academic Oval “to signify their support for building renewable energy systems to replace fossil fuel energy to protect and promote the health and wellbeing of families, communities, and the planet.”
“Production and consumption of dirty fossil fuels – coal, gas, and oil – is one of the leading causes of climate change. The world needs a rapid, equitable, and just transition to 100% renewable energy if we are to stop global warming and prevent catastrophic climate change. Climate change impacts are already devastating and quickly intensifying. Our children are facing a very bleak future and we need to work together to build a better world,” said climate activist Lidy Nacpil, coordinator of the Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development.
“We organized this event as a fun and meaningful way for families to participate in promoting the transition to 100% renewable energy, a vital part of the solution to the climate crisis and the harmful pollution from fossil fuels,” added the Nacpil during the event on May 19, 2024.
APMDD, a regional alliance of civil society groups, also held the family bike action in their member-nations which included the Philippines, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, and Pakistan.
“Solar and wind sources of renewable energy are abundant and affordable. Science and technology have already advanced to ensure that renewable energy can be stable, reliable and adequate to ensure the basic needs of all people and communities the requirements of economic development and prosperity. Governments must muster the political will and take bold action to ensure the necessary scale and speed of transitioning to renewables,” Nacpil said in a press statement.
The bike action was timed during the same week as the International Day of Families. Groups are also intensifying their calls for climate action in line with the celebration of World Environment Day on June 5 and the UN Climate Change Conference to be held in Bonn, Germany this June.
Organizations which partnered with APMDD’s Philippine leg of ‘Pedal for People and Planet” were Philippine Movement for Climate Justice, Sanlakas, 350.org, Oxfam Philippines, Mobility Awards, Women For Safe Spaces PH, K4K, Oriang, UP Diliman, Barangay UP Diliman, Rotary Club of Midtown Diliman, Marilag Bikers, Tiklop Society Philippines, Paralegal Volunteers Organizations, National Ecology Advocacy of Caritas, Weapon Bikes, and Quezon City government. Photo by Jimmy A. Domingo
