Elle van 11.11.11-partner PMCJ: "The climate crisis in the Philippines is about survival."
November 05 2025
5 minutes
When the oceans warm, fish disappear. Floods destroy homes. In the Philippines, the climate crisis isn't a distant prospect. It's a daily reality. And it's deadly.
Elle Bartolome knows that all too well. She is in her twenties and already leads the policy team, communications and campaigns of 11.11.11partner Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ). It's a broad alliance of activists and vulnerable communities working together to combat the climate crisis. We spoke with her during her visit to Belgium.
Elle, how did you get into activism?
“It started when I was studying at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. As student representative I helped with campaigns on issues like tobacco taxes to fund universal health care. That's when I began to understand how policy and activism work together. How real change happens."
“Later I worked at the Freedom from Debt Coalition, also a partner of 11.11.11There I saw how debt, inequality and predatory economic models are all deeply intertwined with the climate crisisTwo years ago I started working at PMCJ, where I now focus on campaigns, strategy and coordination.”
What does climate justice mean to you?
"Climate justice means responsibility. Not just for the environment, but also for the people who lost everything, were displaced, and have no future. It's not just about emissions. It's about power. It's about offering solutions, offering reparations. About attacks on the defenders of the land and environment in the Philippines. Because without human rights, there is no climate justice. "
That's why we participate in international gatherings like the COP, the UN's annual climate summit. We want to remind the Global North: your 'promises' don't reflect our reality. If we're not involved, you're not ensuring justice, but fueling inequality. We need to be at the table, because when only money does the talking, people always lose. "
What does climate injustice look like in the Philippines?
“The climate crisis is devastating and the poorest communities are hit hardest, especially fishermen and farmers. In Batangas, for example, gas-fired power plants are destroying marine life. Fishermen who used to catch 20 fish a day are now happy with five. They have to sail further, and fuel is expensive.
"Some people are now fishing for aquarium fish, such as the clownfish, to sell at markets and still make some money. It's appalling and unsustainable. Moreover, these gas-fired power plants are being built right next to places with exceptionally diverse marine life, such as the Verde Island Passage. That is the Amazon rainforest of the oceans. "
“Farmers are also having a hard time, with failed harvests and polluted land For example, due to typhoons. Large corporations also take their land. The government provides little support, and sometimes even seizes land for large-scale energy projects, with little compensation.
Climate injustice in my country is about survival. No income means no food. And no food means no energy to resist. Survival becomes the only goal. "
What is PMCJ doing to tackle climate injustice?
“We are close to the communities and try to understand as best we can how they experience this injustice, often through lost jobs and contaminated land. We support their resistance to fossil fuel mining, file lawsuits, and build a strong movement nationally.”
“While our confidence in the national overheid decreases, we still see the state as a strategic ally and we continue to put pressureBecause government in the Philippines is decentralized, we are now also focusing more on local governments. There are real opportunities there to initiate change together, from the bottom up. At the same time, we continue to push for structural change, but that takes time.
Can you give an example of what you have already achieved?
“Thanks to strong community resistance and litigation, we have successfully 18 coal projects in the Philippines blockedWe have used the country's own environmental laws against companies that violate them, and that has worked. Through lobbying, we have also 8 planned gas-fired power plants could be disrupted. "
“And now we are going one step further. We are currently working with 16 local authorities to new, clean energy projects to start up, for and by people.”
We know we can't do this alone. That's why we're building alliances, both locally and internationally. If national laws don't protect our communities, we'll find other ways to do it.
Are there any challenges that hinder PMCJ's work?
“The Philippines is one of the most dangerous and deadliest countries in the world for environmental activistsMurder, intimidation, espionage… it happens daily. Since 2020, an anti-terrorism law has been in effect that equates criticism with terrorism. Protesting is barely allowed anymore. Even expressing your opinion is dangerous.
On top of that, there's a wave of disinformation. The government portrays civil society organizations as the enemy. That creates fear. And fear is their control mechanism. And yet we continue. Because if we remain silent, they win. But when we no longer fear, their power falters.”
How do you see the role of young people in the climate movement?
Young people play a crucial role. We carry the past and the future. But above all: we continue the fight“Young people are a unifying force, so we must involve them in everything.”
Not just as participants, but as leaders. Their ideas should help shape policy and campaigns. Young people shouldn't just be present at conferences or focus groups to make 'the voice of youth' heard. Their involvement must be genuine. It's about co-creation and decision-making power.”
What do you want to say to young people in Belgium?
“Learn from the past: let go of the mistakes, but hold on to what the resistance kept alive until today. And check your privilege. Some of us can speak freely. Others are silenced, murdered, or even denied access to education or shelter.
So use your voice. Speak out. Not just in solidarity, but to help change the system. Every action counts, no matter how small. Don't stand on the sidelines. Become part of the solution. Join the movement. Fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. “Rewrite the rules.”
How can international partners such as 11.11.11 you support?
"11.11.11 does important work: building bridges, amplifying our voices, putting pressure on politicians. That's powerful. And we need more of that, not less.
What we need is sustainable cooperation. Not just funding, but also visibility, so that our struggle resonates in European political spaces. And solidarity that speaks not about us, but with us.
Support Elle's climate fight with a donation
Together with 11.11.11Partner PMCJ, Elle is fighting for a livable planet for everyone in the Philippines. Support her work with a donation.
