Blog Action Day 2009: Climate Change

We have been experiencing erratic weather patterns for several years now. We find ourselves in the middle of strong rains during summer months. In other cases the day is unevenly divided to wet or damp and scorching hot. Oftentimes we travel on the road experiencing two different weathers in areas just adjacent to each other. We are saying the weather sequences were not like they used to be.

"The weather is so weird!" Like most people, that's my favorite expression for this crazy weather pattern. I blurt out, almost nonchalantly, this is the effect of global warming or climate change. That's it and then I go about the normal daily business as if nothing else matters.

Until recent events made me realize the impact of climate change. Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) submerged 80% of Metro Manila underwater as well some parts of neighboring provinces. A week after, Typhoon Pepeng (Parma) ravaged Northern Luzon. Huge amount of money, unwavering faith and courage, continuous moral support are necessary in the rebuilding of lives and properties.

Nowadays, the slightest rain and cloudiness alarm people. Facebook statuses are about the latest weather update as well as the latest weather related worries. People are afraid. I know some people who cannot have a good sleep when it rains incessantly during the night.

A tragedy made us realize how nasty the effects of climate change is. Manifestations such as strong rains which we have not experienced ever in our lives surprised us with devastating flood waters. Water world. What is next?

True, both the people and the government have their own major shortcomings before, during and after Ondoy and Pepeng. Climate change was not a priority in the government's agenda so it seems. Disaster preparedness was zero. Nobody had seen it coming. Did we, us people, take time to think and actually do our part to protect Mother Earth from global warming?

Now you can hear about climate change discussions from almost every group of people. The government is passing the Climate Change Act of 2009 and will create a Climate Change Commission.

As a citizen of Planet Earth, what can I do?

I will understand the platforms of all the presidential candidates and they must include concrete action plans on climate change and environment protection. Urban planning for one needs to get the government's serious study, recommendation and implementation. This includes strict laws and protocols on waste management system.

Save electricity. I have a habit of turning the television on even if I am doing another thing. Let me break that habit. Continue using energy saving lights.

Reduce, reuse, recycle. Also, I will regularly use cloth bags whenever we do our groceries.

Make the shortest route possible, schedule logistics of errands to save on gas. Take the train whenever possible.

Little things like what I have mentioned can make a big difference if religiously implemented. Sharing during home owners' association meetings and office meetings are ways to encourage others to do the same thing. There are a lot we can learn through sharing.

My daughter is already aware of global warming and climate change as they are being discussed in school. What better way to reinforce her awareness but let her be involved in the things we do to protect our Mother Earth. This is her future after all.

***Read more about climate change from bloggers from all over the world at Blog Action Day 2009.

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