Climate Change, a Call to Us

Ros, Emelia S.
2006-20700
CE 131 WFQ

Climate Change, a Call to Us

The Philippines, a tropical country, is abundant of natural resources. The main sources of living of the people are agriculture and fishery. However, the archipelago is now suffering a worst dilemma called climate change caused by global warming.

On my personal experience, I can say that the weather and climate is really changing. Growing up in Bicol region, storms have been a part of my life. Elementary and secondary schools were usually suspended for safety purposes of the children. Moreover, there were no reported cases of deaths due to the natural phenomenon. Sometimes, my friends and I had a fun time after the long rain because we got the chance to eat the fresh fruits that fell from the tree. Thus, I never expected that a catastrophic event will happen in my home place. In the year 2006, numerous typhoons had occurred one after another. Reming and Milenyo were the deadliest. The heavy rain, strong winds, and the ashes from the eruption of Mayon Volcano caused tears to thousands. Many were killed, and lots were left homeless. Hectares of rice fields were destroyed, and the means of living of the people were greatly affected. Schools and establishments were ruined. It was my first time to see my home place so devastated and lonely. The once green lands were now gray because of the ashes that piled up, and buried hundreds of Bicolanos under the ground. Time has really changed, and so as the climate.

“Signos: Ang Banta ng Nagbabagong Klima”, a documentary film of GMA 7 is an eye-opener to me, and I think to my fellows who also watched it. Global warming is the cause of the climate change which is pin-pointed to be the reason of bad things that has been happening to the Philippines and to the world as a whole. I realized that the increase in temperature of the earth causes the melting of ice caps. The habitat of polar bears is gone, and the sea level rises. Every time we utilize electricity or drive a car, we use the energy from non-renewable source fossil fuels. Since the industrial revolution began, humanity never stopped using fossil fuels, thus emitting more chemicals in the atmosphere. Its big amount trapped the heat of the sun from leaving the earth. The chemicals go to the oceans making it acidic and hotter. Coral bleaching is one of the effects on the 1 centigrade rise in the temperature. The distribution of whale sharks is also affected.

Moreover, a community in Zamboanga lost their homes along the beach due to big waves caused by heavy rains. Strong typhoons in Bicol region destroyed the living of the residents. Flash floods occurred in several places in the country. Furthermore, flood never left Malabon.

The temperature is directly proportional to the health conditions of the people. Malaria is spread out in General Nakar due to the hot temperature. Mosquitoes live longer in the hot weather. Snail fever, or the enlargement of the stomach and blood that goes with the pee and human waste, is a big problem in Cagayan Valley. It is experienced by many since their rivers were infected by snails which live on a hot place.

If climate change will not be resolved, there is a possibility that some parts of the Philippines will be submerged. What can we do to keep our homes? What should be done to save our lives?

Turning off the lights and unplugging the appliances when not in use can save a lot of energy. Moreover, recycling things such as cans and plastic bottles will not only lessen the trash, but might be a source of income as well. Using bicycles, or walking when going to short distanced places can also limit the carbon dioxide emission in the atmosphere and it is also good for the health. Using cloth or paper bags reduces the non-biodegradable wastes. Furthermore, symposia about climate change and global warming should be held so that the people will be aware of what is happening.

What I have enumerated above is just simple. However, if each of us will do that, we are going to save a lot of energy and we can save the earth. Let us work together, hand on hand, for the sake of our future generations.