Marinel Sumook Ubaldo

Marinel Sumook Ubaldo (born 1997) is a Filipina climate activist from the Philippines who helped to organise the first youth climate strike in her country. She testified as a community witness for the Philippines Commission on Human Rights as part of their investigation into corporate responsibility and whether the effects of climate change can be considered violations of Filipinos’ human rights.

Background and education

Ubaldo first learned about climate change and disaster risk reduction in October 2012. She was a past youth leader at Plan International, an organisation that aims to promote children and female rights. In this role, Ubaldo states that she educated local groups on the causes of global warming. Over 6,000 people were killed in the disaster and 28,000 injured. Scientists have stated that severe weather events such as this typhoon are being exacerbated or made more likely by increasing global temperatures. Having experienced first-hand the effects of Typhoon Haiyan, Ubaldo continued her climate activism, lobbying governments on climate change issues. She studied at Leyte Normal University to get a Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree and graduated in August 2019.

Activism Ubaldo advocates for a ban on single-use plastics, the reduction of carbon emissions and investment in renewable energy. The film was titled Girl and Typhoons.

In October 2019, Ubaldo attended a climate leadership training event in Yokohama, Japan, established by Al Gore. She also spoke at various Japanese universities. She says she remains optimistic that strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change can be developed.

Career Ubaldo is working as an advocacy officer for Ecological Justice and Youth Engagement in Living Laudato Si’ Philippines.