The international climate movement, 350.org, urges governments present at the APEC Climate Change Summit to take bold leadership by stopping the TPPA (Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement).
Leaked documents revealed that TPPA would allow private corporations to directly sue governments in private and non-transparent trade tribunals over laws and policies if corporations consider they would reduce their profits. This means legislation designed to address climate change, curb fossil fuel expansion and reduce air pollution – among many crucial environmental and human rights protections – could all be subject to attack by corporations as a result of TPPA. TPPA is further empowering corporations while undermining national economies, people’s democracy, environmental protection, health standards, and workers rights, allegedly to ensure policies do not hurt trade and investment. “Building inclusive economies for a better world requires people’s participation and definitely not corporate manipulation,” said Zeph Repollo, Philippine Campaign’s Coordinator of 350.org “Locally, nationally, and globally, the people’s movement to stop the fossil fuel industry that thrives in the same global economic order – favoring profits more than people-, is gaining momentum. The TPPA is a symptom of fear and desperation, a massive bid to overthrow any resistance people might throw at them. But people across all member parties, including non-member countries resist to be bound by the interest of corporate capitals. ” Repollo added.