In Tearful, Amazing Speech, Philippines Climate Delegate Announces Hunger Strike

Summary

The Philippine delegation expresses deep gratitude to Poland for their hospitality during a climate conference in Warsaw. Amidst the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan, the speaker calls for urgent global action on climate change, emphasizing the devastating impact of the typhoon and the need for solidarity, increased ambition, and concrete measures to address climate change's adverse effects. The speech also highlights the importance of renewable energy and the moral duty to act for future generations.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The speaker expresses gratitude to Poland for hosting the event in Warsaw amidst a global tragedy.
• 🤝 Acknowledges the solidarity and support from various countries, governments, and people worldwide towards the Philippines.
• 🌪 Describes the devastating impact of Super Typhoon Haiyan, emphasizing its unprecedented scale and the ongoing struggle to assess damages.
• 🌊 Calls for global recognition and action on climate change, urging skeptics to witness its effects firsthand in affected regions.
• 🌐 Stresses the urgency for climate action, stating that the current efforts are insufficient to prevent further crises like Haiyan.
• 💪 Advocates for increased ambition and political will to address climate change, highlighting the need for immediate and drastic measures.
• 🔄 Discusses the Philippines' commitment to renewable energy through legislation aiming to significantly increase its capacity by 2020 and 2030.
• 💰 Requests financial support from developed countries to cover the incremental costs of renewable energy adoption until it reaches grid parity.
• 🙏 Announces a voluntary fasting initiative by the speaker to protest the lack of meaningful climate action and to demand concrete pledges for the Green Climate Fund.
• 🌳 Highlights the moral duty of all parties to address climate change, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development and the pursuit of a better future.
• 📢 Ends with a plea for the COP to be remembered as the place where decisive action was taken to halt the 'madness' of climate change.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the speech delivered by the Philippine delegation at the climate conference?

The main purpose of the speech is to express the urgency of addressing climate change, highlight the devastating impact of Super Typhoon Haiyan on the Philippines, and call for global solidarity and action to prevent further catastrophes.

How does the speaker describe the hospitality of Poland and the city of Warsaw?

The speaker describes the hospitality of Poland and the city of Warsaw as warm and charming, with people offering smiles everywhere, making the delegation feel comfortable despite the tragic circumstances.

What is the significance of the 'hell storm' mentioned in the speech?

The 'hell storm' refers to Super Typhoon Haiyan, which is described as an unprecedented, unthinkable, and horrific disaster that has tested the resilience of the Philippines.

What is the estimated wind speed of Super Typhoon Haiyan according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center?

The estimated sustained winds of Super Typhoon Haiyan were 315 km/h (195 miles per hour), with gusts up to 370 km/h, making it the strongest typhoon in modern recorded history.

What does the speaker mean by 'rising above adversity'?

The phrase 'rising above adversity' signifies the ability of humanity to unite and overcome challenges, such as the effects of climate change, by showing solidarity and support for affected countries.

What is the speaker's stance on those who deny or ignore the reality of climate change?

The speaker challenges climate change deniers to leave their comfort zones and witness the impacts of climate change firsthand in various regions affected by extreme weather events and rising sea levels.

What is the 'emergency climate pathway' the speaker refers to?

The 'emergency climate pathway' is a call for immediate and drastic action to prevent a future where super typhoons and other climate-related disasters become a way of life.

What is the Philippines' commitment to renewable energy as mentioned in the speech?

The Philippines has enacted a renewable energy law aiming to double the renewable energy capacity by 2020 and triple it by 2030, with a call for developed countries to finance the incremental cost until renewables reach grid parity.

Why does the speaker announce a voluntary fasting for the climate?

The speaker announces a voluntary fasting as a personal act of protest and commitment to climate action, refusing to eat until there is a meaningful outcome at the conference, including concrete pledges for the Green Climate Fund and a loss and damage mechanism.

What is the speaker's final call to action for the audience at the climate conference?

The speaker calls for the audience to lead by example, making the conference a place where meaningful action is taken to stop the 'madness' of climate change, and to remember it as the place where humanity truly cared to address the crisis.