‘The tough test indeed lies in infecting a great number of the 110-M population who are both contributors to and victims in the climate crisis and getting them to change environmentally damaging habits.’
IN THIS SEASON of political mudslinging and battle of facts and fakes, among other staple polarities in our plodding nation, it is a whiff of fresh air that a particular issue, global and still conceptually distant as it is, can bring our people to a common ground. Climate change with its existential threat that can deface both planet and humanity a few decades away, what can be more daunting and crushing than that?
Thanks to Green Convergence for safe food, healthy environment and sustainable economy for convening (along with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources) the 5th Philippine Environment Summit with the theme, Ako ang Bukas: Quantum Leap to Climate Neutrality.
Held in Iloilo City last February 19 to 21, the biennial event gave a sharp view of both the crisis and strategic solutions to hurdle it – mitigation, adaptation, resiliency building. Government and Civil Society (academe, business, church, communities, civic groups), and likewise inter-generational groupings (senior citizens to youth in senior high school and college) were there to share knowledge, listen, exchange ideas, and be inspired.
WHOLE-OF-NATION APPROACH
The three whole days demonstrated a collaborative, whole-of-nation approach crucial to face such a crisis, as stressed by both the GC president, Victoria Segovia, a decades-long environment educator and DENR Secretary Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga.
The government agencies present aside from DENR, the departments of Agriculture, Energy, and Transportation, and their key agencies, laid out national plans and program initiatives to protect the country and population from the climate change onslaught.
The business sector couldn’t have been better represented than by Federico Lopez, chairman and CEO of First Holdings Corporation which is at the forefront of renewable energy production, a key action in mitigating climate change.
Agnes de Jesus, FHC’s Chief Sustainability Officer, egged the audience to measure their carbon footprint (with a calculator) to lead them to reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute sizably to the extreme weather disturbances that mirror climate change. Innovative resiliency projects by environmental scientists and entrepreneurs that consider the state of the environment and climate inspired the youth and entrepreneurial minds.
WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER
I can breathe better with the mere thought that such collaborations are happening instead of each group waddling on a lonely road or government and civil society clashing at every turn. Yet wonder how some 700 like-minded people in the room can cascade the knowledge fast enough before floods, droughts, and pollution hit us harder.
The tough test indeed lies in infecting a great number of the 110-million population who are both contributors to and victims in the climate crisis and getting them to change environmentally damaging habits. Rallying a “we’re all in this together” spirit, sort of.
Tall order but Green Convergence has shown mission and passion for the environment since 2011 and has resolved to undertake specific actions in collaboration with key sectors in the country.
Note: Some highlights of select speeches and project presentations at the 5th PES will be featured in a coming series on earth stewardship in a free website of The PH Insider.
