RE projects need to ease social impact
The Philippine renewable energy (RE) sector needs to revisit their business strategies to ensure that infrastructure development does not cause further harm to the environment and communities, allied civil society groups said in a report.
The Responsible Energy Initiative (REI) Philippines, a multiyear program promoting responsible energy transition led by six organizations in the country, highlighted in its “Renewable Energy to Responsible Energy: A Call to Action” report that key industry players needed to come up with mechanisms that can “anticipate and manage environmental and social impacts that may arise” from renewable energy development.
“We do need to accelerate our actions given the climate crisis, but any proposed solution must take into account the views and interests of marginalized communities, who are most vulnerable to climate change impacts,” said Erika Geronimo, executive director of Oxfam Philippines, which is part of REI.
The umbrella group also includes the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities; Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Philippines; Forum for the Future; Center for Empowerment, Innovation and Training on Renewable Energy; and Business and Human Rights Resource Center.
First established in India in 2021, REI is expanding into Southeast Asia this year through the Philippines.
Currently, the Philippine government is working to increase the share of renewables in the country’s energy mix from the current 22 percent to 35 percent by 2030, and 50 percent by 2040.
