Faith-based groups hold a "solidarity march" in Manila in time for the people's march for the environment in the United States on April 29. (Photo by Maria Tan)
Faith-based groups in the Philippines rallied against what they called a "negative shift" in America's climate policies under the administration of US President Donald Trump.
"Trump’s regressive climate policy could severely affect the people of the earth," said Columban Father John Leydon, leader of the Global Catholic Climate Movement.
The protest in the Philippines on April 29 was part of a "solidarity action" with the People’s Climate Movement in the US, a protest march to mark Trump’s 100th day in office.
The Manila event was marked with a Mass and cultural performances of artists and green activists.
Father Leydon said Trump’s views on the environment can be reversed "if people could make him understand the global role of his climate policies."
The U.S. president issued an executive order nullifying climate change policies, including emission rules for power plants, of the previous administration.
Trump has also directed the Environmental Protection Agency to start the legal process of withdrawing and rewriting the Clean Power Plan of the United States.
The plan would have closed hundreds of coal-fired power plants that are among the largest sources of carbon pollution.
Ian Rivera, coordinator of the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice, said the order will start the "process of dismantling" of the Paris Agreement, a commitment of UN member-states to deal with greenhouse gas emissions.
Father Leydon said Catholics should "engage in lobbying and pressing" to encourage governments to commit in favor of the environment.
"If we will not succeed in our mission on the promotion of the protection of the earth and all of creation, we are facing the end of our times," warned the Columban missionary.