A Philippine conference delegate has vowed to go on a hunger strike until steps are made to slow climate change, which he believes caused Typhoon Haiyan.
“Despite the massive efforts that my country had exerted in preparing for the onslaught of this storm, it was just a force too powerful, and even as a nation familiar with storms, Haiyan was nothing we have ever experienced before,” Philippine climate change commissioner Naderev Sano said at the United Nations’ 19th Conference of the Parties in Warsaw, Poland, CNN reported.
“In solidarity with my countrymen who are now struggling for food back home, and with my brother who has not had food for the last three days, with all due respect, Mr. President, and without meaning to disrespect your kind hospitality, I will now commence a voluntary fasting for the climate,” he said.
What the Philippines is experiencing as a result of climate change is “madness,” Mr. Sano said, adding that he will fast during the 12-day conference “until a meaningful outcome is in sight,” CNN reported.
Officials fear that as many as 10,000 people were killed when Haiyan hit the Philippines on Friday, with reported top sustained winds of 195 mph. More than 1,700 bodies have been found so far, CNN said.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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