Have you wondered about the sudden changes of weather from sunny to rainy, or with the volume of rain water, the occurrence of high winds and waves?
As we try to recall past experience, reality starts to sink in: climate change is not just an abstract concept, it has been here all along.
Recent newscast tagged the Philippines as the No. 1 country most vulnerable to climate change.
The Global Climate Risk Index 2015 listed the Philippines as the No. 1 most affected country by climate change, using 2013’s data.
The Philippines is located in the western Pacific Ocean surrounded by naturally warm waters that will likely get even warmer as average sea-surface temperatures continue to rise.
To some extent, this is a normal pattern: the ocean surface warms as it absorbs sunlight. The ocean then releases some of its heat into the atmosphere, creating wind and rain clouds.
However, as the ocean’s surface temperature increases over time from the effects of climate change, more and more heat is released into the atmosphere.
This additional heat in the ocean and air can lead to stronger and more frequent storms.
In March 14 last year, the Senate performed its solemn constitutional duty to concur in the ratification of the Paris Agreement, the historic accord on climate change, agreed- upon and adopted by the global community of nations on Dec. 11, 2015.
Sen. Loren Legarda expertly steered in the upper chamber of our legislature the approval on second reading of the Senate resolution, concurring with President Duterte’s ratification of the agreement.
This concurrence is a requirement of the 1987 Constitution, which will be deposited as an instrument of ratification at the UN headquarters in New York.
When Typhoon Haiyan, (known as Supertyphoon Yolanda in the Philippines) struck on Nov. 8, 2013, it was one of the most intense tropical cyclones and deadliest on record, killing at least 6,300 people. Filipinos should have taken to heart the lessons learned from the devastation. But there were Climate Change deniers, the slow, snail-like speed of climate talks.
Logic and reason is now more evident as a clear link between the subsequent storms which receive their energy from the ocean and the warming oceans should alarm even the most hardened unbeliever.
So wake up and be aware, as our local climate could change dramatically should the global community fail to act towards effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Starting with our own homes, Reduce, reuse, recyle.
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Author’s email: whelmayap@yahoo.com
