Commentary: Philippines must update mining laws & enforce no-go zones to fully respond to just transition
"Reflections on a just transition", 3 February 2025
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To fully respond to the challenges of a just transition and towards a clean energy transition, the Marcos Jr. administration must consider the following recommendations:
1.) Enactment of an updated mining law. The Philippine Mining Act of 1995 remains inadequate to address climate change and disaster risk reduction (DRR).
2.) Expansion of the cost-benefit analysis of mining and other extractives projects.
3.) Additional and proper enforcement of no-go zones and protected areas, particularly prime agricultural lands, and primary forests.
4.) A science-based policy that ensures no sacrifice zones are added to the already many vulnerable and high-risk areas susceptible to climate change impacts.
5.) Defining and strengthening the recycling and reuse systems of various industries.
6.) Formulation and adoption of a circular economy framework.
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