Within the framework of the COP30, Friar Jazrael “Tagoy” Jakosalem, OARgeneral councilor of the Order of Augustinian Recollects and president of ARCORES InternationalJakosalem, OAR, General Councilor of the Order of Augustinian Recollects and President of ARCORES International, participates as representative of the Augustinian Recollect family in this world meeting. From there he shares a reflection inspired by the thought of Pope Francis and his own experience in the Philippines, where the effects of climate change hit hard the most vulnerable communities.
Everything is interconnected
Pope Francis’ phrase– “Everything is interconnected” –serves as a profound and essential focal point for the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP), especially as we face the complex web of ecological crises.
This concept goes beyond considering climate change as an isolated atmospheric problem, and forces us to make a holistic assessment of environmental destruction, recognizing the indivisible link between the health of the planet, social justice and economic stability.
Accepting this interconnectedness implies recognizing that the destruction of a rainforest, the pollution of an ocean or the displacement of indigenous communities are not isolated tragedies, but symptoms of a systemic imbalance. symptoms of a systemic imbalance that threatens human well-being. that threatens human well-being.
Climate action is not just about mitigation: it is about restoring harmony with the natural world.
The human face of ecological injustice
The devastating strikes of super typhoons Tino and Uwan in the Philippines show that climate change is no longer a future threat, but a current reality.
Rising sea surface temperatures – caused by global warming – inject more energy and moisture into tropical cyclones, making them increasingly destructive.
The human cost is staggering: deaths, injuries and millions displaced. Entire communities, such as those in Visayas and Luzon, are living on the front lines of a crisis they did not cause. did not cause.
This is why, at COP30, civil society organizations are calling for going beyond technical negotiations and putting human suffering at the heart of the climate dialogue. put human suffering at the center of the climate dialogue, demanding concrete action, financing for loss and damage, and justice for the most affected peoples.They are demanding concrete action, financing for loss and damage, and justice for the people most affected.
Losses, damages and climate corruption
At this COP, which marks the tenth anniversary of the Paris Agreement, the firm adoption of the loss and damage frameworkis a moral and existential imperative.
Without an operational fund to redress the unavoidable impacts of climate change, the destruction will continue to disproportionately affect vulnerable nations.
However, the Philippines’ experience reveals an uncomfortable truth: corruption can also contaminate climate mechanisms..
In a context where state funds earmarked for resilience have been diverted or mismanaged, climate aid risks becoming climate injustice.
Climate corruption is not just a fiscal boondoggle: it is deadly.
True global commitment to climate finance must include transparency and accountable governancebecause without social justice there will be no environmental justice.
The indigenous appeal
COP30 must listen seriously to the the clamor of indigenous peopleswho are demanding climate justice based on human rights.
As expressed by Mari Luz Canaquiri, defender of the Peruvian Amazon:
“We should not keep talking about the science of climate change, but focus on how we, the indigenous peoples, and our nature are suffering.”
These peoples – guardians of 80% of the world’s biodiversity – are demanding respect for their territories, direct funding and protection from environmental violence.
Climate action must move beyond abstract scientific abstract scientific discourse to concrete concrete human stories of the custodians of life.
Hearing the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor
Pope Francis, in Laudate Deum, warns of the danger of the “appearance of concern” without real action:
“It is not enough to appear concerned; it takes courage to bring about substantial change” (LD, 56).
This call appeals to both political leaders and citizens: symbolic declarations are not enough. An ecological conversion is urgently needed to transform our economic and social structures.
Moving “beyond the mentality of appearances” means making a real commitment to dismantle the status quo. dismantle the status quoreducing dependence on fossil fuels and prioritizing the common good over short-term profits.
Only in this way can we truly hear the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor, the two inseparable faces of the same crisis.the two inseparable faces of the same crisis.
✍️ Friar Jazrael “Tagoy” Jakosalem, OAR
General Counsel and President of ARCORES International