Burning concerns in the Philippines
In the latest editorial in the Manilla Bulletin Dr Florangel R Braid writes,
ALREADY, we are experiencing effects of one of the “burning concerns” of our time — global warming. Flooding, landslides and frequent occurrence of storms have done considerable damage to our infrastructure and agricultural crops and of course the displacement of millions of people.
One of his chief concerns is that, despite the growing concern amongst the scientific community, the general public, and the political community have yet to appreciate the extent of the problem.
Oftentimes, those of us who understand the causes and effects of climate change assume that our knowledge would translate to action. But despite the fact that the gravity of this problem had been written about and communicated through various channels, its implications has not sunk enough into the public consciousness.
Dr Braid outlines some of the climate related issues facing the Philippines.
The physical changes — temperature, rainfall, sea level, wind and typhoons and ocean circulation have affected critical sectors like agriculture, freshwater, forests, biodiversity and health. The threat to health security is seen in the rise in cardiovascular and respiratory diseases — dengue, malaria, yellow fever and other tropical diseases as insects that carry these diseases thrive in hotter temperatures. Corals which provide sanctuary to fishes and algae die when there is an abrupt change in temperature. Extreme weather events — El Niño and La Niña adversely affect agriculture production especially rice which is known to wilt with 1 degree celsius increase thus causing a 15 percent decrease in rice yield.
Looking at the causes of climate change Dr Braid cites Dr. Ciliate F. Habito, Director of the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development who notes that,
[T]he Philippines is contributing to global warming because of the following: (1) land use change and deforestation; (2) industry manufacturing processes which release carbon dioxide (CO2). Much of it comes from cement and metal manufactures; industry accounts for 11 percent of total CO2 emissions in the country while 33 percent comes from agriculture; methane emissions from flooded ricefields, domestic livestock and solid waste; residential and commercial fuel consumption, electricity consumption, motor vehicle transport release which emit CO2.
The clock is ticking and the global situation is dire. The shrill warnings are consistent now all over the world. Climate change is real. It is caused by us. Its effects are already being felt and are certain to be calamitous if we don’t act faster. Our governments, no matter how well meaning, are moving too slowly to save us. — DS
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