Film Screening and Discussion Forum

Bright Green Lies: Exposing Greenwashing and the State of Renewable Energy in the Philippines

Date: July 18, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM Manila Time (adjusted to accommodate the full program)

Venue: Join Us Online

If you are unable to attend in person, you can participate via Zoom.

Meeting Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83716306022?pwd=eG7i1tMiMxklP0f0kTqncsU43r7BL9.1

Meeting ID: 837 1630 6022

Passcode: 223467

We encourage everyone to join 10–15 minutes before the program begins. Please use your full name and locationwhen entering the Zoom meeting to help us identify participants.

We look forward to learning, reflecting, and building solidarity with all of you as we examine the state of renewable energy in the Philippines and explore pathways toward genuine ecological justice.

ORGANIZER:

1. Blue Earth Defense Philippines
2. Commission on Ecology-Diocese of San Pablo
3. Kalipunan Para Sa Kagalingan at Kaunlaran ng Santa Cruz (Laguna), Inc.(KAPAKANAN, Inc.)
4. Kabataan, Kakampi ng Kalikasan (KKK)-Pakil
5. NINEVEH ARTSPACE

Background

As governments and corporations accelerate the transition toward renewable energy in response to the climate crisis, many large-scale energy projects are promoted as sustainable and climate-friendly solutions. However, some of these projects have resulted in significant social, environmental, and human rights impacts on local communities. In many cases, renewable energy initiatives have been implemented without meaningful consultation and participation, leading to displacement, loss of livelihoods, environmental degradation, and violations of the rights of Indigenous Peoples and rural communities. These practices are increasingly recognized as greenwashing—where projects are portrayed as environmentally responsible while concealing their harmful impacts.

The documentary Bright Green Lies critically examines prevailing narratives surrounding industrial-scale renewable energy and other “green” technologies, encouraging audiences to reflect on the broader ecological and social consequences of current climate mitigation approaches.

In the Philippines, the rapid expansion of renewable energy projects has highlighted the importance of ensuring that climate action is rooted in environmental justice, human rights, biodiversity protection, and meaningful community participation. This forum seeks to provide a venue for learning, critical dialogue, and solidarity among communities and organizations committed to advancing a Just Energy Transition.

Objectives

The activity aims to:

• ●  Promote awareness of the social, environmental, and human rights impacts of selected climate mitigation and renewable energy projects.
• ●  Encourage critical reflection on greenwashing and the limitations of industrial-scale renewable energy as presented in the documentary Bright Green Lies.
• ●  Present the current renewable energy situation in the Philippines, highlighting policy developments, emerging issues, and the experiences of affected communities.
• ●  Strengthen solidarity among affected communities, civil society organizations, faith-based groups, youth, researchers, and other concerned stakeholders.
• ●  Encourage collective dialogue and identify collaborative actions toward a just, equitable, and community-centered energy transition.

Program Flow Time

8:30 – 9:00 AM 9:00 – 10:11 AM 10:11 – 10:26 AM

Activity

Registration
Film Screening – Bright Green Lies (71 minutes)

Solidarity Messages from Julia Barnes and Max Wilbert (15 minutes)

10:30 – 11:30 AM 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

12:15 – 12:30 PM

Presentation: Renewable Energy Situation in the Philippines Open Discussion and Sharing

Ways Forward, Commitments, and Closing Program

Activity Components 

1. Film Screening

A screening of the documentary Bright Green Lies (71 minutes), which critically examines the environmental and social implications of industrial-scale renewable energy development and challenges dominant narratives surrounding “green” solutions to the climate crisis.

2. Post-Screening Dialogue and Solidarity Messages Special solidarity messages from:

• ●  Julia Barnes, Director of Bright Green Lies; and
• ●  Max Wilbert, Co-author of Bright Green Lies.Their messages will provide an international perspective on ecological justice, community resistance, and the importance of global solidarity in addressing the impacts of extractive development and false climate solutions.

3. Presentation: Renewable Energy Situation in the Philippines A one-hour presentation covering:

• ●  Overview of renewable energy policies and current developments;
• ●  Expansion of renewable energy projects in the Philippines;
• ●  Community experiences and emerging environmental and human rights concerns

4. Open Discussion and Ways Forward An interactive discussion where participants can reflect on the film and presentation, exchange experiences, identify common concerns, and explore opportunities for collaboration and collective action. The session will conclude with identifying practical ways forward to strengthen solidarity among affected communities and partner organizations.

Target Participants

Approximately 30–40 participants, including representatives from:

• ●  Communities affected by renewable energy projects
• ●  Indigenous Peoples’ organizations
• ●  People’s organizations (POs)
• ●  Civil society organizations (CSOs)
• ●  Environmental and climate justice advocates
• ●  Faith-based organizations
• ●  Youth and student organizations
• ●  Academic institutions and researchers
• ●  Media practitioners
• ●  Local government representatives
• ●  Development partners and other interested stakeholders

Expected Outcomes

At the end of the activity, participants are expected to:

• ●  Better understand the concept of greenwashing and its implications for climate justice.
• ●  Gain a clearer picture of the renewable energy situation in the Philippines and itsimpacts on communities.
• ●  Build stronger solidarity among communities, advocates, and partner organizations.
• ●  Identify collaborative advocacy, public education, and community engagement initiativesthat contribute to a Just Energy Transition.