NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2018
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CLIMATE JUSTICE & PEOPLE POWER
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REAL PEOPLE POWER: STORIES FROM THE RAINBOW WARRIOR
EDITORIAL
NEWS
TESTIMONIALS
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FEATURE
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GUIMARAS PROVINCE 100% COAL FREE
RAINBOW WARRIOR VISIT TO MANILA: “EYE OPENING”
THE LIVErary: STORIES OF RESILIENCE AND HOPE COME ALIVE
MEET THE REAL RAINBOW WARRIORS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA
CENTERFOLD: GREENPEACE COLLECTIBLE POSTER
REGION
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GREEN TIPS DIET FOR THE CLIMATE
GREENPEACE
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AUGUST
EDITORIAL:
REAL PEOPLE POWER: STORIES FROM THE RAINBOW WARRIOR On February 14, the Rainbow Warrior arrived in Manila to mark the start of her 121-day tour across Southeast Asia, with the overall theme, “Climate Change and People Power”. One of the most heartening aspects of this tour was journeying to places confronting some of the biggest global environmental issues, and seeing how communities are standing up together, fighting for the future, and spreading hope.
... WE JOURNEYED TO PLACES CONFRONTING SOME OF THE BIGGEST ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES... COMMUNITIES ARE STANDING UP TOGETHER, FIGHTING FOR THE FUTURE, AND SPREADING HOPE.
PHILIPPINES THAILAND
Yeb Saño Executive Director Geenpeace Southeast Asia
INDONESIA
The Rainbow Warrior (and her former incarnations) holds so much colorful history, bearing witness to the most serious environmental problems of the planet, while also taking part in the brave direct actions to prevent harm to the environment. One of the most amazing moments of this ship tour was when we intercepted a coal barge that had illegally entered a pristine national park in the middle of the Java Sea. Together with several activists and crew from the ship, we launched five inflatable boats and went after the barge. On the side of the gigantic barge, we painted bold letters that said “#BreakFreeFromCoal” and “#SaveKarimunjawa”. The barge quickly heaved anchor and left and promised never to enter the park again. Together, this is the kind of positive change we can do.
As I disembarked from the ship, after a four-month adventure, I am filled with hope that together with all the people around the world, we can truly make a lasting impact. In this whole tour, our dream was that we could inspire millions of people to take action and be part of the solution. That dream is coming true, and to fulfill that dream, Greenpeace needs you.
SINGAPORE
The ship is an icon of courage and hope, providing a platform so those voices can be amplified. Across Manila, Guimaras, Tacloban, Manokwari, Sorong, Raja Ampat, Bali, Jakarta, Karimunjawa, Songkhla, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, and Krabi, thousands of people from all walks of life had come to see the Warrior over these four months. One of the most touching moments was when a group of little school kids came to give a small replica of the ship to Pete Willcox, the legendary captain of Greenpeace ships.
Yeb Saño meeting with major donors on board the Rainbow Warrior in Tanjung Priok port, Jakarta.
MALAYSIA
People are rising up, demanding justice, confronting powerful corporations, in places most affected by the impacts of climate change, where ancient forests are being destroyed because of greed, where lives and livelihoods are being affected because of dirty coal energy, and where people are alarmed with the crisis of plastic pollution in the oceans. This is what real people power looks like.
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NEWS:
GUIMARAS PROVINCE, 100% COAL FREE In a historic win in the fight against fossil fuels, Guimaras was declared as the first coal-free province in the Visayas region. This coincided with the visit of the Rainbow Warrior as part of its Climate Justice Ship Tour in the Philippines. The declaration is a victory in Guimaras’ long resistance against fossil fuels. The province experienced a devastating oil spill in 2006, while in 2010, took a strong position against a coal-fired power plant being proposed at Barangay Ingore, in the neighboring province of Iloilo. Since then, Guimaras has embraced wind power as its energy of choice. The province is home to the 54-megawatt San Lorenzo wind farm, the first ever in the Visayas, since 2014. Rainbow Warrior Captain Hettie Geenen expressed her appreciation of, and support for, Guimaras’ decision to go coal-free. “We are now seeing that those who are least responsible for climate change are bearing the brunt of its impacts. But our visit here to the Philippines has shown us that even a resilient people will not take this sitting down. By the very act of being coal-free, Guimaras sets itself as a national and global leader in ending the age of coal and embracing the benefits of renewables,” Captain Geenen said. With the abundance of renewable energy sources in the Philippines, such as wind and solar, coupled with the decreasing prices of renewable energy, Greenpeace calls for a halt on new coal and urging the rest of the country to follow the example of Guimaras.
RIGHT: Children on board the Rainbow Warrior during the open boat in Manila.
LEFT: Suclaran community members read the declaration of a coal-free Guimaras. ABOVE: Salt Fields near Wind Farm in Guimaras
TESTIMONIALS:
RAINBOW WARRIOR VISIT TO MANILA: “EYE OPENING” In a true display of Filipino hospitality, Greenpeace supporters from all walks of life flocked to welcome the Rainbow Warrior in the first leg of its Southeast Asia tour. Its first stop: Manila. The iconic ship was greeted with excitement and festivities as it arrived on February 14 to kickoff its Climate Justice tour. Among its first visitors was Tasha Tuazon, donor and volunteer since 2006. “I chose to support Greenpeace because they have activists and scientists who are in the forefront doing actions. In this time of disinformation, we need facts essential for the survival of our planet and of humankind.” “I am doing this for the future of my son,” she adds. Arvy Rojas, vocalist of Talahib People’s Music, found her experience onboard the ship “eye-opening”.
“We have incurred the wrath of nature, and we see it in the devastating calamities that visit us every year. We need to save our planet now, before it’s too late,” says Rojas. Her band performed folk music, with themes on environment protection, to the delight of the audience. The two-day open boat, attended by hundreds of supporters, culminated in a dinner hosted exclusively for Greenpeace donors. The event, dubbed ‘Champions of Hope’, put the spotlight on the stories of resilience and hope in the continuing quest for climate justice. “The Climate Justice Tour seeks to provide a global platform for solidarity and give support to frontline communities directly dealing with climate change impacts,” shares Greenpeace Philippines Country Manager Amalie Obusan.
Art By : Paulus Hutabarat
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FEATURE:
THE LIVErary: STORIES OF RESILIENCE & HOPE COME ALIVE
Losing almost your entire family in one sweep of tragedy is already utterly devastating, but having to relive the harrowing tale of how it happened is just unimaginable. To most of us, yes, but for typhoon Haiyan survivor Joanna Sustento, being able to share her experience to audiences here and abroad has become her unique way of coping with loss. “Remembering and sharing are key elements of justice and healing,” says Sustento. In November 2013, Joanna lost her entire family, save for her brother, to Haiyan, deemed the strongest typhoon to hit land, and left most of her hometown, Tacloban, in ruins. “Sharing stories contribute to social memory, build on and strengthen the social and cultural fabric, and raise questions on accountability and responsibility, of what is fair and right,” Joanna adds. Her incredible resilience and strong resolve to fight for climate justice are what inspired her to join the LIVErary as one of its “human books”. LIVErary is a human library which showcased 20 different “human books”, like Joanna, who shared their expertise and perspectives on climate justice and human rights. The activity was connected with the 2018 Balangaw Rainbow Warrior Ship Tour.
ABOVE: “Living books”, share their stories at the human LIVErary event in Tacloban. LEFT: Interior designer Heidrun Milan, shares his story of how an interior design can be resilient in times of disaster RIGHT: Kelsey Juliana, one of the youth plaintiffs who have filed a constitutional climate lawsuit against the U.S. government, shares her story.
“Much like a typical library where a reader can learn from books, the LIVErary aims to share the diverse experiences of our “human books” so that hopefully, a tragedy of such scale as Haiyan would never happen to us again,” shares Desiree Dee, Climate Justice Campaigner of Greenpeace Southeast Asia-Philippines.
AUGUST
REGION:
MEET THE TRUE RAINBOW WARRIORS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA ! The four-month voyage of the Rainbow Warrior in South East Asia has come to an end. But the fight for Climate Justice in the region, and around the world, continues. We may face corporate giants in our fight against coal, but out of the struggle emerges true champions who rally and stand with us in our campaign to break free from fossil fuels once and for all. The Rainbow Warrior has sailed to the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand and met these local heroes, who in their own ways, have made a difference in the world.
During the activity, different tales of devastation and loss, were brought to the surface – but the stories also told of the redemptive power of hope and people coming together, fighting to reclaim their lives and their rights. Other “human books” include: Merlie Alunan, a Filipina poet and editor; Arthur Golong, Haiyan survivor and LGBT advocate; Greeorge Nacewa of the Pacific Climate Warriors in Fiji; Kelsey Juliana, American climate activist; and Ingrid Skjoldvær, former chair of Nature and Youth in Norway; among others. Like the balangaw (a Filipino term for “rainbow”) these stories shared by our ‘human books’ are diverse and they all herald hope,” ends Dee.
Coal Power Plant Protest in Indonesia
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GREENPEACE
The coal plant has affected not only the people’s health but also the relationship among the community. How did you feel about the Rainbow Warrior tour in Thailand? ROKEEYOH: I was so excited for the visit of the Rainbow Warrior. We are grateful that even though the ship has sailed around the world, it still visited our small community in Thepa. This meant a huge deal for us – that ship recognizes the importance of every community in the fight for climate justice. What do you think is the significance of the Rainbow Warrior in the fight for climate justice? ARTHUR: The arrival of the Rainbow Warrior in calamity-struck Tacloban is very significant. Because of Haiyan, people have become more aware of climate change and its impacts. The Rainbow Warrior gave us a very unique experience. It showed us that it is possible to have greener, more sustainable options that do not hurt the environment. From the Rainbow Warrior itself, I saw that Greenpeace really “walks the talk”. How do you envision the world changing for the better as a result of your work? KETUT: I believe that there should always be a balance between our lives and nature. Development should not be detrimental to our environment. If we are kind to nature, we will be the ones to reap its benefits.
Why do you think there is a need to campaign for Climate Justice? ROKEEYOH YUISOH (THAILAND)
What are the most pressing environmental concerns happening in your country? KETUT: The residents of the province of Celukan Bawang thrive on coconut production as a source of livelihood. Since the coal plant opened in 2015, the yield has never been the same. I used to harvest around 9,500 coconuts, but now, it has dropped to 2,500. The quality also deteriorated. I’ve lived in here since 1978, and I’ve never seen the leaves of the coconut trees as dark as they are now. The coconut fruits are significantly smaller and darker. These have not only affected our livelihood, but also our rich history and culture. Coconuts are the typical Balinese offerings to the Gods. It is a huge part of our lives, heritage, and a form of our worship – and now, sadly, it has been ruined.
ARTHUR: Campaigning is very crucial – especially if we do not want a massive calamity like Haiyan to happen again. Being a campaigner knows no boundaries, regardless of social status, education or gender. I am not a high school graduate and am a transwoman, but being a campaigner empowers and allows me to have a voice. Why do you think the call to shift to renewable energy is significant to your country? ROKEEYOH: People around the world see the damage caused to the environment by fossil fuels. In Thailand, people who live near coal plants suffer from various ailments, but no health insurance are provided for them. It has also caused division in our once-friendly community. Some locals support the plant, while others strongly oppose it. The coal plant has affected not only the people’s health, but also the relationships among the community members. That’s why we are resisting coal and calling for the shift to renewables. Our community in Thepa is strongly fighting against the coal plant. ARTHUR GOLONG: Community Leader & Gender Equality Advocate
Coconuts are the typical Balinese offerings to the Gods. It is a huge part of our lives, heritage, and a form of our worship – and now, sadly, it has been ruined.
KETUT MANGKU
(INDONESIA)
I am not a high school graduate and (I) am a transwoman, but being a campaigner empowers and allows me to have a voice.
ROKEEYOH YUISOH: Leader of “Thai No Coal Network” in Thepa KETUT MANGKU WIJIANA: Coconut Farmer & Anti-Coal Advocate
ARTHUR GOLONG
(PHILIPPINES)
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DIET FOR THE CLIMATE:
Why the shift to “less meat” can benefit health and the environment
They say, “you are what you eat.” But, believe it or not, the food on your plate affects more than just your physical health. Studies say meat production impacts our climate, forests, water, and, consequently, our health. Here are just a few of the reasons why you should go for “less meat, more veggies” in your food choices:
REDUCE GLOBAL WARMING!
Livestock contributes as much greenhouse gases into the atmosphere as the whole transport sector!
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LIVE LONGER!
Health risks such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, and other heart diseases are linked to high red meat consumption.
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FEED MORE PEOPLE!
Study shows that shifting to plant-based diets could feed millions with less environmental cost.
SAVE FORESTS!
DESIGN: Roma Pilar IMAGE CREDITS: Cover: © Noel Guevara / Greenpeace Page 2 Editorial: © Arnaud Vittet / Greenpeace Page 3 News: © Noel Guevara / Greenpeace, © Veejay Villafranca / Greenpeace Page 3 Testimonials: © Noel Guevara / Greenpeace Page 4-5 Centerfold: © Paulus Hutabarat Page 6 Feature: © Greenpeace, © Noel Guevara / Greenpeace Page 6-7 Region: © Noel Guevara / Greenpeace, © Rokeeyoh Yuisoh, © Jeri Kusuma / Greenpeace, © Yudhi Mahatma / Greenpeace
Expansion of livestock farms is a major driver of deforestation.
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SAVE OUR WATERS! Most wastes from industrial meat and dairy production are disposed in bodies of water.
SOY INK ON RECYCLED PAPER Source: ‘Less is More: Reducing Meat and Dairy for a Healthier Life and Planet’, published by Greenpeace International; March 2018