Last September 18, RENDER hosted a climate and energy convening at the Ateneo de Manila University with the theme, “RENDER: Climate & Energy.” The event brought together students, young professionals, academics, and climate activists to create a collaborative space for science-informed dialogue with a focus on Just Energy Transition and Climate Justice. 

Atty. Tony La Viña, Associate Director for Climate Policy and International Relations at the Manila Observatory and Head of the Klima Center, opened the event by introducing the Klima Center, the housing organization of the RENDER project. He emphasized that addressing the climate emergency is not just an environmental issue but, at its core, a human rights imperative. Urging young people to take the lead in shaping a sustainable future, Atty. La Viña stressed, “it is the youth who must drive this change.” He underscored the importance of climate and energy convenings to empower young advocates, foster collaboration, and sharpen their innovative thinking, enabling them to drive the transition toward a just and sustainable energy future. 

The convening aims to introduce RENDER and the Klima Center to the Ateneo community to empower and capacitate Ateneans to become advocates for a fair and resilient future. It emphasized that the energy transition must be just, not only in mitigating the climate crisis but in ensuring equitable access to clean energy for all, especially for the most vulnerable sectors. 

Key Discussions & Call to Action at RENDER: Climate & Energy

Atty. Jayvy Gamboa, opened the convening in his talk entitled “Just Transition in Climate Resilient Development,” outlined the principles of the Just Transition (JT) concept and the setbacks of facing this process. JT is essential for achieving an equitable societal transformation while addressing the climate crisis. This process must involve equal representation from key stakeholders, including workers, frontline and coastal communities, and vulnerable sectors, ensuring that everyone benefits from the shift to a low-carbon economy. Key aspects of this transition include equitable access to energy, securing a reliable energy supply, and ensuring sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

Currently, 22.3% of the energy generation mix comes from renewable sources, with goals set to increase this to 35% by 2030, 50% by 2040, and over 50% by 2050. Despite these targets, the just transition faces significant setbacks, such as weak social protection systems, high poverty levels, large informal workforces, and political priorities centered on economic development over climate action. 

He underlined the importance of social equity & justice that must be at the core of just transition. This is to ensure that vulnerable sectors are supported and social inequalities are not exacerbated. Tailored approaches for each sector are necessary, alongside global cooperation to help the Global South build resilient, low-carbon economies. 

Mx. Cheng Pagulayan from Oxfam Pilipinas presented the second talk of the day on the “Nexus of Gender, Energy, and Climate Justice”. Mx. Cheng highlighted the crucial role that gender plays in climate and energy justice. He argues that women and marginalized genders are disproportionately affected by climate impacts. 

Lastly, Mr. Daniel Ratilla, from the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability, concluded the event with a talk on “The Ateneo Landscape & Sustainability Roadmap.” Ratilla provided an overview of Ateneo’s efforts toward sustainability by spotlighting that universities have a critical role to play in setting an example for sustainable practices. As an academic institution deeply rooted in Jesuit values and inspired by Laudato Si, Ateneo promotes an ethos of environmental stewardship and care for our common home. Ratilla benchmarked how the university integrates the teachings of Laudato Si, committing itself not only to reducing its carbon footprint but also in fostering a culture of ecological conservation. 

He presented Ateneo’s ambitious roadmap for carbon neutrality, outlining various initiatives that reflect the university’s dedication to sustainability, from energy efficient buildings to community engagement in climate action. He states that through these efforts, Ateneo continues to be a leader in sustainable development, setting an example for both students and society at large.

Sustainability is not a competition but a collaboration.

– Charlotte Gotangco Gonzales

Overall, RENDER: Climate & Energy brought together diverse voices, from students, lawyers, policymakers, climate activists, artists, teachers, and the vast majority of civilians wanting to learn what JT means and entails. As participants departed, the call to action was clear: the time for a just, feminist, and forever energy transition is now.