A Catholic bishop from the Philippines has warned world leaders at COP31 against promoting fossil gas as a solution to the energy crisis, saying new investments could prolong dependence on fossil fuels and delay the transition to renewable energy.
Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos urged governments meeting in Antalya, Türkiye, to reject policies that extend reliance on coal, oil and gas and commit to an equitable energy transition that protects vulnerable communities.
“Climate negotiations must not provide new justifications for coal, oil and gas investments that prolong dependence on the very fuels driving global warming,” said Bishop Alminaza, who serves as head of Caritas Philippines.
His warning comes as negotiators at the Nov. 9-20 summit discuss how to implement previous climate commitments, including the agreement reached at COP28 to transition away from fossil fuels.
The COP31 presidency is promoting a voluntary initiative to increase electricity’s share of global final energy consumption to 35% by 2035, known as the 35×35 target.
The Philippine-based Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) warned that the proposed target does not explicitly prioritize renewable energy or establish a clear connection between expanded electrification and the global commitment to move away from fossil fuels.
The prelate said replacing coal with fossil gas could create long-term commitments that delay the transition to renewable energy.
“We must be vigilant against decisions, policies, and investments that present fossil gas as a solution while creating new infrastructure and long-term commitments that would only delay the transition to renewable energy,” he said.
Alminaza cited the Philippines’ electricity problems as evidence that dependence on fossil fuels has not guaranteed reliable and affordable power.
According to CEED data, the Visayas electricity grid recorded 160 yellow and red alerts from January through September 2026. Forced and unplanned outages at coal-fired power plants contributed to tight electricity supplies, rotating blackouts and costly purchases from the spot market.
Alminaza called on the Philippine Department of Energy and Energy Regulatory Commission to publish power plant performance audits, enforce existing regulations and review long-term electricity supply agreements involving underperforming coal facilities.
He said unreliable electricity and rising bills place additional pressure on families already struggling to afford food, education and health care.
The warning comes as the Philippine government faces criticism over its plans to expand fossil fuel development despite submitting an updated national climate commitment.
In its COP31 media brief, CEED said the government is pursuing an additional 5 gigawatts of coal-fired power capacity despite an existing coal moratorium, along with an auction involving more than 3 gigawatts of electricity from existing or new gas plants.
The organization also raised concerns over planned oil and gas exploration in Palawan and the expansion of liquefied natural gas infrastructure near the Verde Island Passage, warning that these developments could threaten marine biodiversity, fisheries and coastal livelihoods.
The debate over fossil fuel expansion comes as the Philippines climbed three places in the latest Climate Change Performance Index, an annual assessment by Germanwatch and the NewClimate Institute covering 64 countries and the European Union.
John Leo Algo, national coordinator of Aksyon Klima Pilipinas, attributed the improvement partly to the country’s updated 2026 nationally determined contribution, which increased the unconditional portion of its greenhouse gas reduction pledge.
But Algo cautioned that the improved ranking does not necessarily mean the Philippines is significantly closer to aligning its climate policies with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5-degree Celsius warming limit.
“As of today, the national government continues to refuse to commit to transitioning away from fossil fuels, centered on renewable energy development,” Algo said.
He urged the government to increase public investment in climate solutions and adopt stronger policies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Alminaza called for what he described as transformative renewable energy, particularly distributed and community-based systems that could provide affordable and dependable electricity to underserved communities.
He said the transition must protect ecosystems and respect the rights of workers, Indigenous Peoples and communities affected by energy and mining projects.
“The rising demand for minerals used in clean energy technologies cannot excuse land grabbing, unsafe work or damage to fragile ecosystems,” he said.
The bishop urged governments to ensure that communities have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their lands, waters and livelihoods.
He also called for adequate and accessible climate financing to help vulnerable countries strengthen food and water security, prepare for climate impacts and develop renewable energy systems.
Alminaza raised concerns about a very strong El Niño, citing a forecast by the Philippine weather agency PAGASA that he said indicated conditions could persist into the first half of 2027.
He warned that drought and extreme heat could increase pressure on electricity demand, water supplies, food production and livelihoods.
CEED has called on governments at COP31 to establish clear timelines for phasing out fossil fuels, end support for new coal, oil and gas projects, and strengthen mechanisms to finance a just transition.
Alminaza said the Church considers the energy transition a matter of justice and moral responsibility.
Drawing on Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, he emphasized that environmental protection cannot be separated from the welfare of communities suffering the consequences of destructive energy policies.
He invoked the Three Empty Chairs, representing the poor, the common home and future generations, as a reminder of those often excluded from decisions about energy development and climate policy.
“No community should be left to suffer under an energy system that places profit before people and the protection of our common home,” he said.
Alminaza is expected to attend COP31 in Antalya from Nov. 16-21.
