Manila: Human activities primarily drive climate change and, coupled with poorly designed infrastructure and environmental degradation, have heightened the country's vulnerability to severe flooding.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a recent interview on PTV4, Tony La Vi±a, Associate Director for Climate Policy and International Relations of the Manila Observatory and Klima Center Chief, urged the public to be conscious of their contributions to climate change and worsening flooding. He emphasized that even the smallest actions can have lasting impacts on the environment.
La Vi±a explained that climate change is a global phenomenon that intensifies extreme weather events, including in the Philippines. He described it as human-created, or anthropogenic, asserting that people are responsible for these changes rather than nature. He pointed out that human activities further damage the environment and exacerbate the problem.
He highlighted that while natural weather phenomena like the southwest monsoon or 'habagat' are unavoidable, climate change is intensifying their effects. La Vi±a recommended two micro-level actions: being mindful of one's contribution to climate change and ensuring proper waste management to prevent flooding.
La Vi±a also criticized poorly designed infrastructure, including ineffective flood control projects, which worsen the impact of extreme weather events. He stressed the need for well-planned infrastructure to prevent compounding the effects of severe weather.
He argued that while the government cannot reverse climate change swiftly due to its global nature, it can mitigate its impacts through adaptation measures and proper intervention. He called for stricter environmental protection measures, such as preventing destructive mining, illegal tree-cutting, and harmful infrastructure projects.
La Vi±a emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable communities, noting that poorer populations are often the first to suffer the effects of climate change. He advocated for protecting forests, rivers, and watersheds, highlighting that the consequences of climate change extend beyond the present generation.
He urged preparation for climate change impacts, stressing the need to mitigate pollution and avoid life-and-death situations caused by flooding and other climate effects. La Vi±a underscored that the current situation requires a collective effort, emphasizing that a whole-of-nation and whole-of-world approach is essential to address the challenges posed by climate change.
