|
NOW more
than ever, the issue on climate change has reached
wide-scale attention and concern. Scientists have
already verified its existence and ongoing studies are
measuring its scale and impact. Nations have been put in
a mad scramble looking for ways to address this
phenomenon.
Climate
change is defined by the United Nations as the
human-caused change in climate, particularly from the
emission of harmful greenhouse gases into the
atmosphere. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC), in its latest report, concluded that the
Earth’s warming is “unequivocal” and that there is “very
high confidence” that human activity played a
significant role in this.
Often,
climate change is regarded as a crisis because of its
serious threats to economy, agriculture, health,
wildlife, and ultimately, to human survival.
As the
Earth’s surface gets warmer, glaciers and ice cover in
the Arctic and Antarctic regions will melt faster,
prompting a rise in sea level and flooding in low-lying
coastal areas. Small islands may be erased from the map.
More
intense and frequent climatic disasters such as storms,
erosions and landslides will occur. People will
experience hotter summers and shorter winters, heavier
rains, heat wave and drought. All of these can threaten
food and water supplies, spread illnesses, destroy homes
and vital infrastructure, and claim lives.
Habitats
and ecosystems will collapse, placing animal and plant
species that cannot quickly adapt at the risk of
extinction.
Signs of
climate change are already seen now. The IPCC report
states that average global temperature has already risen
by 0.74 degrees Celsius over the past 100 years, with 11
of the last 12 years being the warmest on record since
1850.
In
Bangladesh, four big floods occurred in the past 20
years. Intense heat waves in
Europe killed at least 27,000 people in 2003.
The
Philippines has not been left out. In the past several
years, strong typhoons wreaked landslides and flash
floods that damaged billions of pesos worth of property
and agriculture, disrupted electricity and
transportation, and left thousands of people dead.
Thus,
concerted efforts to mitigate climate change cannot be
delayed. There is a need to drastically reduce the
amount of greenhouse gases—particularly in the form of
carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, nitrous oxide, and
halocarbons such as chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)—that are
released into the atmosphere.
CO2 is
produced from the burning of fossil fuels (oil and coal)
by power plants, manufacturing facilities and vehicles.
Methane is emitted in the decomposition of garbage and
agricultural wastes, while nitrous oxide comes from the
use of nitrogen fertilizers and pesticides. Halocarbons
are used as coolants, solvents and spray-can
propellants.
Solutions are already being undertaken worldwide in the
form of international treaties, legislation, use of
available and new technologies, education campaigns and
individual action.
With the
celebration of Earth Day 2007 on April 22, the nation is
again reminded to be responsible caretakers of the
planet. With the theme, “Stewardship in Action”,
different sectors are urged to take action on the “Seven
Eco Battles,” one of which is to reverse climate change.
Many
have been accomplished, yet more are still left to be
done. The government must continue to pursue the shift
from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as
wind, water, natural gas and geothermal. About 58
percent of the country’s energy needs are dependent on
fossil fuels.
There is
a need to step up forest preservation, as trees absorb
CO2 and convert it into oxygen. The government must also
ensure strict implementation of environmental laws and
policies and, being the biggest institutional buyer,
serve as an example for practicing green procurement.
But the
government cannot do it alone. Industries should find
ways to make their operations more efficient in order to
reduce fuel consumption and waste. They can save on
electricity by using efficient lighting systems such as
compact fluorescent lamps or, better still, by
maximizing natural light and ventilation.
Corporate social responsibility can be carried out by
investing in emissions-reducing projects such as
reforestation.
Most
importantly, individual consumers can play their part by
being more conscious of the impact of their consumption
to the environment. Here are some best practices:
Conserve
energy at home.
Shut off lights, computers and appliances when not in
use (avoid “standby” mode). Buy energy-efficient
airconditioners and refrigerators. Hang clothes under
the sun instead of putting them in a dryer.
Go for
green transportation.
Pass up on gas guzzlers and smoke belchers. Regularly
maintain the vehicle and keep tires properly inflated to
improve gas mileage. As much as possible, avoid driving
alone. Try carpooling or just ride the bus or train to
work.
Consume
wisely.
Cut the use of plastics. Patronize recycled and
recyclable products, as well as environment-friendly
business establishments. Live modestly and consume only
as needed.
Everyone
has played a role in climate change. Everyone is and
will be affected by it. Thus, it is every man’s duty to
partake in addressing this crisis and to help build a
safer and cleaner world for the coming generations.
*****
Send
your feedback and queries to konsyumeratbp@gmail.com.
For in-depth information on consumer issues, listen to
Konsyumer Atbp. every Saturday, 10:00-11:30 a.m. over
dzMM 630kHz. For consumer complaints, call the DTI
Consumer Assistance Hotline 751-3330 or Text
DTI<space>complaint and send to 2920 for Globe and Smart
subscribers. |
