CEED pushes Philippine energy, marine protection agenda at COP31

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CEED at COP31 energy agenda

Highlights

CEED is presenting Philippine concerns at COP31 in Türkiye, emphasizing just energy transition, renewables affordability, and reducing consumer financial burden.
Marine protection sessions spotlight threats to the Verde Island Passage from climate change, pollution, and fossil fuel infrastructure, highlighting commitments to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030.
CEED's 'Don’t Drill Paradise' research reveals 14 of 22 Philippine active petroleum contracts are in Palawan waters, raising cumulative risks to marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods.

COP31 agenda centers on energy transition

As reported by BusinessWorld Online, the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development is bringing Philippine energy and environmental concerns to the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference in Türkiye through side events and a press conference.

Its participation focuses on how continued fossil fuel dependence affects Filipino households facing high power costs, while climate negotiations are pressing governments to turn international commitments into concrete action. CEED and its partners are highlighting just energy transition, climate finance, and community participation as issues with direct implications for livelihoods across Southeast Asia.

In one session, “People-Centered Just Energy Transition: Shared Experiences, Best Practices and Actionable Solutions,” CEED is joining the Natural Resources Defense Council, Centre for Environment Education, and Coshare Environment to compare experiences from the Philippines, India, China, Mexico, and other countries. The discussion is examining how governments can make renewable energy more affordable and accessible without shifting extra financing burdens onto consumers.

CEED is also taking part in a separate discussion with the International Energy Agency, Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network, and Climate Era Catalyst on community participation in energy policymaking. That session is exploring how grassroots groups and local governments can shape policy and expand community-led renewable energy initiatives in Asia-Pacific.

Marine risks and regional livelihood concerns

Marine protection is also a core part of CEED’s COP31 program, with the group set to join the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions in a forum on shared marine protection strategies. The discussion is focusing on participatory marine spatial planning, cross-sector coordination, and measures to strengthen coastal resilience.

The forum is highlighting threats to the Verde Island Passage, which the article describes as one of the world’s most biodiverse marine corridors. CEED says communities there face mounting pressure from climate change, industrial development, pollution, and fossil fuel infrastructure, while countries are also being tested on their commitment to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030 under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Separately, CEED is holding a press conference titled “Don’t Drill Paradise: Protecting Palawan and Southeast Asia’s Ecological Frontiers from Fossil Fuels,” centered on offshore oil and gas exploration around Palawan. Its “Don’t Drill Paradise” research identified 14 of the Philippines’ 22 active petroleum service contracts in waters surrounding Palawan, raising concerns about cumulative risks to marine biodiversity, fisheries, Indigenous Peoples, and coastal livelihoods.

Through these engagements, the group is seeking to tie Philippine energy and environmental issues to broader climate negotiations. Its message is that energy security, climate action, and economic development should not come at the expense of vulnerable communities and ecologically sensitive seas.

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