Humans have made all tremendous advances on all fields of endeavour. They have gone to the moon. They have explored the outer space. They have searched the depths of the oceans. They have made the spectacular advances in the area of agriculture, engineering and medicine. Because of these advances, the earth is now a better place to live in. But is it really a better one?
For the past few decades we have proven that our technology is not perfect. A by-product is pollution in many forms. Hazardous gases from industrial factories greatly exhausted our sole atmosphere. The increasing CO2 in the atmosphere contributed largely to global warming. Yes, global warming is a factual phenomenon and not merely a product of sensationalism. However, a greater problem arises when we try to deny the fact that our nature is really sick. Symptoms are present and are persisting. Global warming is here.
It is Christmas season already but the cold wind that plants goose bumps on our skin is not here in the country yet. Our calendar says that it is December, but the weather says otherwise. Even in the early morning, we can already feel a too hot and too humid weather. Sunscreens rather than jackets are in demand now. It is also fascinating to observe that this chronic change in our climate has been forcing us to change our lifestyle.
One thing that is always in my arsenal is umbrella. The sky has indeed gone crazy. Now it rains, now it doesn’t. Global warming seriously influenced the thunderstorms. They are more violent and destructive than before. The time that they would only give holidays for students are over. Now, they want to collect lives as if revenging from our misuse of nature and resources.
All of the indifference I was feeling toward this issue of global warming slowly turned into a significant concern as I watched the documentary “Signos”. Growing up in a busy metropolis, I wasn’t fully aware of all the events that have happened in the other parts of the country. Surely, I have heard of some in the news, but I didn’t really think that the matter is already that serious. If it weren’t for the efforts of the people behind this documentary, I would have been forever stuck in my comfort zone, oblivious of the environmental crisis that has put the lives of millions at risk.
Bringing up this issue “closer to home” through a nation-wide investigation of the manifestations of climate change is indeed a great move on the part of the whole “Signos” team. Travelling to different parts of the country, the team has certainly shown the impact of climate change to the lives of many Filipinos. I also think that it was able to give an in-depth report as it gathered local and international experts to discuss about the matter. Through them, a comprehensive view on climate change has been presented. Its causes and more importantly its effects have been fully examined. What is more is that it has provided us with simple measures, those that can easily be accomplished, so that we can prevent its disastrous consequences.
Furthermore, I was really surprised when I learned from the quiz that if all people in the world would just be like me, we will only need half of the earth to live in. I felt elated and proud of my lifestyle. I think this is mainly because I was not brought up in a very luxurious kind of living. Even in the early age, I already know how to save and conserve my resources. I am not like “Asiong Aksaya”. I really value the importance of water and electricity.
Aside from writing or blogging a 750 word essay that expresses our concern regarding the condition of the world we are living in, we can still do a lot of things. In this essay, I would like to enumerate four of a thousand ways:
First and foremost, we should change our individual culture and self-centered lifestyle. Adopt an environment friendly way of living. It includes such practices as recycling wastes like paper, bottles and plastics. It can also mean making our own compost in the backyard instead of burning them. If you are a dormer, learn how to save electricity. Learn from the experience of the Badjao as featured in the documentary. They were forced to leave their traditional houses and took refuge on the shores. Why not do the reverse? Let us change our culture first and help the nature to recuperate from the damages we have inflicted on her.
Second, we can be politically involved. We can support politicians who have strong environmental positions. We can also be involved in writing or inviting others to support legislature on environmental conservation.
Third, we can join environmental organizations and actively participate in environmental projects. Participation in environmental clubs and organizations can influence one’s lifestyle a lot and enhance our involvement. This is just like taking a quiz in the myfootprint.org. One can join activities of the organization to preserve and conserve natural resources. Concerted efforts have greater impact on the environment.
Finally, let us promote environmentalism in our respective careers. There are lawyers, teachers, and journalists who specialize in the environment. We, us engineers, can design new technologies that are effective and, at the same time, promote sustainable development.
Successful economic development, according to former US President George Bush, goes hand in hand with environmental protection. We cannot have one without the other. Our global future depends upon sustainable development. It depends upon our willingness and ability to duplicate our intelligence, ingenuity and adaptability to our common future. This is a choice that we must make!
Christian G. Seso
2006-21631
For the past few decades we have proven that our technology is not perfect. A by-product is pollution in many forms. Hazardous gases from industrial factories greatly exhausted our sole atmosphere. The increasing CO2 in the atmosphere contributed largely to global warming. Yes, global warming is a factual phenomenon and not merely a product of sensationalism. However, a greater problem arises when we try to deny the fact that our nature is really sick. Symptoms are present and are persisting. Global warming is here.
It is Christmas season already but the cold wind that plants goose bumps on our skin is not here in the country yet. Our calendar says that it is December, but the weather says otherwise. Even in the early morning, we can already feel a too hot and too humid weather. Sunscreens rather than jackets are in demand now. It is also fascinating to observe that this chronic change in our climate has been forcing us to change our lifestyle.
One thing that is always in my arsenal is umbrella. The sky has indeed gone crazy. Now it rains, now it doesn’t. Global warming seriously influenced the thunderstorms. They are more violent and destructive than before. The time that they would only give holidays for students are over. Now, they want to collect lives as if revenging from our misuse of nature and resources.
All of the indifference I was feeling toward this issue of global warming slowly turned into a significant concern as I watched the documentary “Signos”. Growing up in a busy metropolis, I wasn’t fully aware of all the events that have happened in the other parts of the country. Surely, I have heard of some in the news, but I didn’t really think that the matter is already that serious. If it weren’t for the efforts of the people behind this documentary, I would have been forever stuck in my comfort zone, oblivious of the environmental crisis that has put the lives of millions at risk.
Bringing up this issue “closer to home” through a nation-wide investigation of the manifestations of climate change is indeed a great move on the part of the whole “Signos” team. Travelling to different parts of the country, the team has certainly shown the impact of climate change to the lives of many Filipinos. I also think that it was able to give an in-depth report as it gathered local and international experts to discuss about the matter. Through them, a comprehensive view on climate change has been presented. Its causes and more importantly its effects have been fully examined. What is more is that it has provided us with simple measures, those that can easily be accomplished, so that we can prevent its disastrous consequences.
Furthermore, I was really surprised when I learned from the quiz that if all people in the world would just be like me, we will only need half of the earth to live in. I felt elated and proud of my lifestyle. I think this is mainly because I was not brought up in a very luxurious kind of living. Even in the early age, I already know how to save and conserve my resources. I am not like “Asiong Aksaya”. I really value the importance of water and electricity.
Aside from writing or blogging a 750 word essay that expresses our concern regarding the condition of the world we are living in, we can still do a lot of things. In this essay, I would like to enumerate four of a thousand ways:
First and foremost, we should change our individual culture and self-centered lifestyle. Adopt an environment friendly way of living. It includes such practices as recycling wastes like paper, bottles and plastics. It can also mean making our own compost in the backyard instead of burning them. If you are a dormer, learn how to save electricity. Learn from the experience of the Badjao as featured in the documentary. They were forced to leave their traditional houses and took refuge on the shores. Why not do the reverse? Let us change our culture first and help the nature to recuperate from the damages we have inflicted on her.
Second, we can be politically involved. We can support politicians who have strong environmental positions. We can also be involved in writing or inviting others to support legislature on environmental conservation.
Third, we can join environmental organizations and actively participate in environmental projects. Participation in environmental clubs and organizations can influence one’s lifestyle a lot and enhance our involvement. This is just like taking a quiz in the myfootprint.org. One can join activities of the organization to preserve and conserve natural resources. Concerted efforts have greater impact on the environment.
Finally, let us promote environmentalism in our respective careers. There are lawyers, teachers, and journalists who specialize in the environment. We, us engineers, can design new technologies that are effective and, at the same time, promote sustainable development.
Successful economic development, according to former US President George Bush, goes hand in hand with environmental protection. We cannot have one without the other. Our global future depends upon sustainable development. It depends upon our willingness and ability to duplicate our intelligence, ingenuity and adaptability to our common future. This is a choice that we must make!
Christian G. Seso
2006-21631
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