In the Middle of the Typhoon: Climate, Environment, and Filipino Resilience

 In the Middle of the Typhoon: Climate, Environment, and Filipino Resilience

Climate change is no longer just a matter of science; it is a reality that we feel every day. From severe storms, extreme heat, flash floods, and longer droughts, it is obvious how every aspect of our lives is affected. In the Philippines, an archipelago that is always in the path of typhoons, the impact of climate change is undeniably a major challenge that every Filipino must face.

One of the main causes of climate change is the indiscriminate use of fossil fuels. With the world's focus on industrialization, the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas has become widespread, causing high levels of greenhouse gases. Because of this, the world is warming, the ice in the polar regions is melting, and the sea level is rising—a threat to low-lying islands like the Philippines.

In addition, deforestation is another cause of climate change. The absence of trees that absorb carbon dioxide exacerbates global warming. In the Philippines, illegal logging and conversion of forests to agricultural land or subdivision causes soil erosion, flooding, and loss of biodiversity. The environment, which should be protecting us, we are slowly destroying.

In communities that depend on agriculture and fishing, the effects of climate change are felt most acutely. Irregular rains and extreme heat are affecting farmers' harvests, while rising sea temperatures are reducing fishermen's catches. The result? More Filipinos are starving, losing their livelihoods, and being forced to migrate to cities or other countries.

However, in the midst of it all, Filipinos remain steadfast. We constantly find ways to adapt to change. The use of renewable energy such as solar and wind power, planting trees, and promoting sustainable farming are just some of the steps being taken to mitigate the effects of climate change. But the initiatives of a few are not enough; greater cooperation is required.

The government has an important role in providing a thorough plan for climate adaptation and mitigation. It should invest in disaster risk reduction, adopt regulations against deforestation, and promote renewable energy. Above all, citizens need to be taught to be more responsible in their actions, such as proper waste disposal and patronizing of 

eco-friendly projects.

We cannot stop climate change, but we can face it with unity and responsibility. As a country known for its resilience, it is time for us to prove that Filipinos are not only strong during storms, but also proactive in protecting nature. In this way, we can be sure that there is still a bright future for the next generation.

SOURCES:

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/weekend/y-speak-resiliency-during-disasters

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/352549/yolanda-survivors-make-lifelong-sacrifice-after-deadly-typhoon/story/

https://barokandtakya.com/the-spirit-of-being-resilient-in-filipino-culture/

https://steemit.com/filipinoresilience/@iamrosallie/floods-in-the-philippines-filipino-resilience

https://greendevsolutions.com/climate-change-in-the-philippines-2023/