This year, Climate Change became an inevitable topic. It had always a pressing issue, but as the Climate Change Conference in Paris drew nearer, it made international headlines. So before the year comes to a close, let us look back at some of the most memorable events related to Climate Change.
Workshop in Communicating Climate Change
From September 29 to October 1, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), together with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Vietnam Television (VTV and Climate Central, organized a workshop for Asian weather presenters in Hanoi, Vietnam. The participants from the media learned how they can be instruments in communicating Climate Change effectively to the public.
As one of the Panahon TV weather reporters, yours truly was able to attend the event together with other presenters from Thailand, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia and Laos.
During the workshop, the speakers shared their knowledge on the basics of Climate Change, mitigation and adaptation, and the best practices in communicating the science. Bernadette Woods Placky, the Chief Meteorologist of Climate Central, gave her thoughts on the role of the media in simplifying the concept of Climate Change.
Read my experiences on the workshop here. Panahon TV goes to Vietnam: Workshop for Weather Presenters (Highlights of Days 2 and 3)
NANSEN Initiative Global Consultation
Every year, millions of people are being displaced every year due to natural disasters like tropical cyclones, flooding, landslides, drought and earthquakes. This figure, according to experts, may rise in the next decades as the adverse effects of Climate Change and population growth continue.
Last October 12 to 13 this year, the Nansen Initiative, a high-level intergovernmental meeting in Geneva discussed the resolutions for today’s disaster displacement, as well as preparatory actions for new challenges in the future. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) came up with 10 challenges that are climate and disaster displacement-related:
• recognizing the facts
• recognizing that people rarely flee for just one reason
• finding out who are the displaced
• preventing displacement
• compiling better data
• analyzing risks
• preventing people from becoming poorer
• ensuring formal protection
• ensuring protection in practice
• commiting and working together
Climate Vulnerable Forum
On November 9 to 11, the most vulnerable countries to Climate Change impacts known as the V20, got together to talk about Climate Change. These low and middle-income, small and developing countries include Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Maldives, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Ghana, Nepal, East Timor, Barbados, Kenya, Philippines, Tuvalu, Bhutan, Kiribati, Rwanda, Vanuatu, Costa Rica, Madagascar, Saint Lucia and Viet Nam.
Since these nations were the ones that usually experienced extreme weather events and the impacts of the changing climate, they needed to raise their voice to fight the climate issue. This forum served as a preparation for the COP21 or the 21st Conference of the Parties in Paris, France.
Greeneration
As part of the Climate Change Consciousness Week, the annual Greeneration event took place at the SMX Convention Center last November 25. Students from different schools in the Philippines gathered to affirm their responsibilities in climate action.
November 25 was also declared by the President as the National Day of Youth for Climate Change. Through the “#nowPH” campaign, the youth was able to show their determination in strengthening efforts to combat Climate Change. In fact, a human banner was formed in Rizal High School, participated by students and climate action advocates.
The National Youth Commission (NYC), together with the Climate Change Commission (CCC) of the Philippines, came up with 15 ways to lower emissions. These tips were recommended by students all over the country.
Climate March
Just a few days before the Paris conference, a climate march was held on November 28. Representatives from different organizations such as Aksyon Klima Pilipinas, World Wide Fund (WWF), Greenpeace, Global Catholic Climate Movement and Philippine Movement for Climate Justice walked altogether to express their thoughts and raise their concerns about the lack of efforts in climate action.
They called for a fair agreement in the upcoming COP21 and the nations’ clearer commitments to renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels. This march also aimed to convince world leaders and emphasize the need to protect vulnerable countries like the Philippines, from the worsening threats of Climate Change.
COP21
After so many years, the 1st universal legally binding deal on climate action became successful. The 21st Conference of the Parties, dubbed as COP21, became the biggest climate conference of the year. It was held on November 30 to December 12 in Paris despite the alleged terrorist attacks prior to the event.
The COP21 showed how different countries committed themselves to keep the temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius—or if possible, 1.5 degrees Celsius. Though highly ambitious, this target will reduce the risks and impacts of Climate Change. Higher than the said target may aggravate the impacts of Climate Change, such as more disastrous weather events, severe droughts, record-breaking heat, melting of glaciers and rising sea levels.
Over 100 leaders all over the globe pledged to opt for renewable energy sources to lessen greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from human activities. The conference also required the most developed nations to be responsible and provide financial support to the small and vulnerable countries regarding climate issues.
As we face the year ahead, Climate Change is sure to be more relevant than ever. With its growing threat and impacts, the time to act is now. So don’t just shrug off the issue; read about it, learn from it, and act on it. It’s the only way we can allow future generations to live in a world filled with the best of what nature has to offer.
At this time, some may already have completed their gifts to be displayed under their Christmas trees; but for last-minute shoppers who are tearing their hair out, wondering what to buy for friends and family, Panahon TV came up with its own list of gift suggestions, which have great sentimental value, but low environmental impact.
Water Tumbler
A plastic bottle takes over a thousand years to biodegrade and if burned, it may produce toxic gases, which contribute to Climate Change. The escalating demand for plastic bottles produces unnecessary garbage, and consumes large quantities of energy, particularly fossil fuels, such as crude oil.
In the Philippines, these plastic menaces litter our seas and other bodies of water – a problem that incessantly occurs and affects us during heavy rainfall and flooding.
Gifting someone with a water tumbler not only lessens the use of plastic, it also encourages the recipient to eliminate the habit of spending or buying mineral water.
Reusable Bag
These eco-friendly bags are the perfect gifts for moms, titas and sisters, who are fond of shopping or doing errands that require safekeeping, carrying and organizing stuff.
A reusable bag is the perfect alternative to plastic or paper bags. It can be used anytime, anywhere, while avoiding of additional waste.
Sneakers
If your friend loves fashion, as well as comfort, a pair of sneakers is a no-brainer gift. Make sure to enclose a note to remind the recipient how walking can be a great alternative to driving. Vehicles uses up fossil, and its emissions contribute to air pollution – which according to the World Health Organization, is linked to millions of premature deaths every year.
Bicycle
If you’re generous enough, giving a bike as a gift is also a good option. Based on a study of the Institute of Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), cycling may help cut down carbon emissions from urban transportation by about 11% by 2030.
Aside from walking, biking is a clean and healthy source of community transportation. Biking does not only lessen emissions and traffic, it is also a great way to be fit and healthy!
Indoor plants
For a friend blessed with a green thumb, a perfect gift to give this Christmas is an indoor plant. There are a variety of plants that could be taken care of within your home or office.
Plants are vital sources of oxygen and are good absorbers of carbon. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the leading greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted in the atmosphere. In a greenhouse gas bulletin released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the average global atmospheric CO2 level in 1750 was at around 278 parts per million (ppm). In 2014, it increased to 397.7ppm, and by 2016, it is expected to crawl up to more than 400ppm.
Plants and trees are an effective way to combat the adverse effects of Climate Change. These plants could lessen the carbon concentration while providing us with clean air.
Museum Trip
Giving toys to children may be a common gesture, but why not try something more exciting and educational? You can opt to give kids a free museum trip this Holiday Season. This way, they learn to appreciate science, arts and culture while enjoying the spirit of Christmas.
These are just some of the eco-friendly gifts you can give to your loved ones. Remember that no matter what the season is, Climate Change will always be an important concern. In choosing and buying your presents this Christmas, also consider its long-term impacts to our planet.
Sources:
World Health Organization
World Meteorological Organization
Institute of Transportation and Development Policy
http://thewaterproject.org/
www.railstotrails.org
http://usa.streetsblog.org/
C- limate Change affects everyone in millions of ways. From producing extreme weather events that destroy lives and properties, health, and the animals’ habitat, to effects of ocean acidification, coral bleaching, global security and economy, it is undoubtedly one of the most pressing global issues today.
The 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21), which happened in Paris, France from November 30 to December 12, 2015, aimed to discuss Climate Change concerns and create an agreement for a stronger climate action plan.
COP21 targets to build unity among leaders to create solutions, particularly in reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs) from human activities—said to be a major contributor of Climate Change.
O – ver 100 world leaders committed to opt for renewable energy sources rather than the burning of fossil fuels. Renewables are projected to become the world’s leading source of energy in the coming years.
Since renewable energy is safer, cheaper and accessible to all, Greenpeace says that a100% renewable energy is achievable and cost-effective if placed under the right political decisions.
Meanwhile, the most developed countries still have the responsibility to continue providing financial support for its low or middle-income counterparts–the small and developing countries, which are at the frontline of Climate Change impacts. This will greatly help in the collective effort of Climate Change mitigation and adaptation.
P- ledges poured in as leaders expressed their willingness to help in combating the effects of the changing climate. Top emitters like China, United States, Europe, India, Russia, and Japan voluntarily committed in cutting down GHGs and pollution in the next two decades.
The Paris agreement said there would be transparency rules to encourage countries to practice what they have promised. All countries were required to submit reports of their emission and climate action efforts.
2 – º C or below of global temperature rise within the next few decades is the goal. Higher global temperatures may lead to more disastrous weather events, severe droughts, extreme heat, melting of ice, sea level rise, etc.
According to Climate Central, science researchers and policy makers in the 1990s described 2 degrees Celsius as the limit of warming that the earth could handle from the most disastrous outcome. In 2010, this 2 degrees Celsius was then formally recognized by the United Nations Climate Change group as the critical threshold.
“Since the late 1800s, the world has heated by about 1 degree Celsius,” Bernadette Woods Placky from Climate Central confirms. At this level, the planet has already been experiencing rising sea levels, changes in precipitation patterns, record-breaking heat and more wildfires.
The COP21 showed how different countries all over the world strongly committed to keep the temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius—or if possible, 1.5 degrees Celsius. Though highly ambitious, this target will reduce the risks and impacts of Climate Change.
In a Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) held in Manila prior to the Paris conference, Saleemul Huq, the Director of International Center for Climate Change and Development in the University of Bangladesh, says, “If we want all countries and all people to be safe, we need a one and a half degree goal. It’s the right goal to have.”
1- st universal, legally binding deal on climate action finally became a success. According to Climate Central, the Parisian event was already the 21st conference of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change–yet none of the meetings held during the previous years achieved its goal.
For instance, in 1997, the Kyoto Protocol attempted to enforce arbitrary and genetic pollution reductions from developed countries. However, Europe was not able to fulfill its commitment because of economic declination, lack of support from the U.S. and the withdrawal of Canada. Only few nations formally supported the protocol.
COP21 pioneered a new approach that relied on voluntary commitments of world leaders to reduce the effect of Climate Change. Some are against the new approach, but most experts and nations are optimistic to try something different.
Sources:
Climate Central
Greenpeace
The Telegraph
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC)
http://www.cop21paris.org/
Because a collective effort must be done in order to fight the effects of rising global temperature, numerous solutions to Climate Change continue to be discussed at the Conference of Parties (COP21) in Paris, France.
It is the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 that jumpstarted the international political response to climate change. The convention aimed to address the issue of greenhouse gases (GHGs), while working with the UN Framework on Climate Change.
For the past 20 years, the annual Conference of Parties (COP) has been continuously reviewing the convention’s implementation. COP21 also known as the 2015 Paris Climate Conference, aims to achieve its ambitious goal: to legally bind and have a universal agreement on keeping global warming below 2 degrees Celsius.
GHGs that are emitted through human activities are the main factor of Climate Change. Major GHGs such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are basically heat-trappers, having the capability to remain in the atmosphere and to absorb to energy. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, GHGs warm the climate, posing threats to people and environment. Reports from World Meteorological Organization (WMO) further state that GHGs concentration hit another record of a 36% percent increase from 1990 to 2014.
But in our own way, we can help lessen the effects of Climate Change by making better food choices.
Reports shows that about 44 to 57 percent of the total global GHGs emissions are associated to what we eat. Going vegan is one of the ultimate and effective ways to flight Climate Change because 51% percent of global GHGs emissions are from animal agriculture. Raising animal for food has largely become a source of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide emission.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said that based on a British study, “Typical meat eaters who switched to a vegan diet reduced foot-related carbon footprint by 60% percent, saving 1.5 tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere each year.”
Carbon dioxide is released through the burning of fossil fuels, such as gasoline and oil. One calorie of protein from meat demands big amounts of fossil fuel energy because of the sheer amount grains fed to farm animals. Plus, forests are being cleared to provide pastureland for farmed animals.
Methane has 25 times of an impact on Climate Change, compared to carbon dioxide over a 100-year period, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Billions of chicken, turkeys, cows and pigs packed onto factory farms are the top source of methane.
PETA said nitrogen-based fertilizers used to grown animal feed have become a source of nitrous oxide. And significant amounts of nitrous oxide are released into the atmosphere when there is a combination of manure and urine from farmed animals.
5 Tips for Eating Climate-Smart
Grow your own food. Organic food and agriculture are allies to actions against climate change. It maximizes renewable resources and enhances nutrient and energy flows in agro ecosystems. Emissions of nitrous oxides and methane from pastureland can be avoided through organic management. By doing away with synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, you help nurture Mother Earth.
Go for fresh food. Processed food is energy-intensive. From fields sprayed with fertilizer, to animals being fed by grains that are grown using pesticides and fertilizers, and gasoline used to transport food—combined effects of all these food stages contributes to GHGs emission. Plus its plastic packaging adds to trash that pollutes the environment.
Go for naturally grown meat. Shift to restaurants that offer naturally grown meat. Organic meat is safe for consumption; processed meat usually have antibiotic residue. Organic meat comes from animals that are grass-fed or pasture-raised.
Buy local. Food transported to different grocery stores consumes a lot of gasoline, and that contributes to GHGs. So, in order to lessen food transportation, it’s time to buy local. Eat foods in season. Visit the nearest market or stall in your area.
Use food waste. Leftover foods can make carbon-rich soil. With microorganisms, food scraps are decomposed without creating methane gas, a type of GHG that that contributes to Climate Change.
So if you want to help fight Climate Change, eat healthier and wiser. How cool is it that you can eat your way to your health and protect the environment at the same time?
Sources:
http://www.cop21paris.org/about/cop21
http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/video/2519/cfs-videos/food-and-climate/3212/be-climate-smart-with-cool-foods#
http://www3.epa.gov/climatechange/science/indicators/ghg/
http://www.foe.co.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/food_climate_change.pdf
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/timothy-s-thomas/climatesmart-eating-savin_1_b_6625050.html
http://www.livescience.com/37821-greenhouse-gases.html
https://www.wmo.int/media/content/greenhouse-gas-concentrations-hit-yet-another-record
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Vitetnam Television (VTV), and Climate Central organized a workshop for Asian weather presenters to talk about climate change and how they can be instruments in communicating it to the public. With the theme “Hanoi Workshop for Weather Presenters: Communicating the Science of Climate Change” began on September 29, 2015 in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Read: Panahon TV goes to Vietnam: Workshop for Weather Presenters (Day 1)
After getting to know each other and learning more about climate change, we, participants, were encouraged to apply what we learned. Before jumpstarting a group discussion with scientists, were were grouped into four with each member having the opportunity to pose questions to the climate change experts.
I must say, climate change is a more complicated concept than weather, on which I usually report. There are a lot of things to know and understand about it. Because climate change is an urgent issue that requires action, the media has a big responsibility in presenting the topic in simplified yet comprehensive terms.
Bernadette Woods Placky, the Chief Meteorologist of Climate Central which is an independent organization of leading scientists and journalists who report about the changing climate, discussed how crucial it was to effectively communicate climate science. Currently, Placky works with meteorologists from the United States, and is an Emmy Award-winning meteorologist who spent 10 years as a TV weather forecaster.
According to Placky, we, weather presenters are unique in a way that we are skilled communicators who have large daily audiences. As we encounter complicated science, it is our role is to simplify it for the public. Also part of our duties is to understand local weather and connect it to a bigger climate picture.
She mentioned that including climate change in our news creates many challenges because of its complexity. Other factors that need to be considered are time constraints, and the need to balance the topic with entertainment. It is not considered a “sexy” subject; thus, our reports must have good content, and we must always look presentable.
Placky shared some ways of communicating climate change that worked in the United States:
– Discuss climate change in a separate segment from the weathercast
– Inject climate change information into the weathercast
– Produce a longer news story on climate change
– Create a regular series (weekly, monthly) on climate change
– Add climate change to a seasonal special
– Promote it on other platforms like social media
– Include more science concepts in fair-weather day forecasts
– Connect climate change to local extreme weather
– Give context to climate change by connecting it to a newsworthy national or international story
Placky reminded the participants to always simplify. We can also localize global news, make the story relevant to the viewer, and connect it with current weather patterns.
I felt proud that some of the ways she recommended are already being applied in Panahon TV. We report about climate change and regularly dish out updates on the El Niño phenomenon that currently affects the Philippines, especially the agricultural sector. We are also brewing something, which will allow us to regularly discuss climate change.
After teaching and giving us some pointers, we were given two exercises. The first exercise was reporting the hottest years recorded in an engaging manner.
My groupmates discussed the topic with the provided materials. Based on the data, 2015 is projected to be the hottest year on record due to the strong El Niño.
There were visuals and details given to support each presentation. In our group, I was proud to see everyone contributing to the outline and script of the report.
We decided to use the context of the year 2025. Tin-Tin, one of the Thailand’s twin weather reporters, represented our group. Ms. Placky loved how we creatively thought of reporting the climate change condition 10 years from now. I think every group did a great job on this activity.
For the second exercise, we were told to make another report— this time on the sea level rise and its connection to typhoons. For this exercise, I volunteered to be our group’s presenter because I could relate well with the subject since the Philippines is just beside the Pacific Ocean, where sea level rise is mostly observed.
Sea level rise is a result of water expansion. When water is heated, it expands. The melting of glaciers and land ice contribute to the oceans’ increase of level. According to Rosa Perez of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), higher sea level rise could create higher storm surges, while posing the bigger threat of affecting more inland areas.
Short Video Clip of our presentation
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Every group performed well during our exercises. With the brief time given to us, we were able to apply what we learned and execute creativity with teamwork. Despite the differences, we became united and came up with a successful output!
The day ended like a graduation ceremony where we were handed certificates. But more than these printed documents, the memories we shared in the workshop mattered most. Our concern for our global weather and climate meaningfully brought us together.
And then, the most exciting part of this trip came…our trip to Halong Bay! It took us about four hours to get to Halong City from Hanoi. While having our lunch on a cruise, we were amazed by a very majestic view of the Halong Bay. They said there were thousands of islands found in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After enjoying the cruise and kayak, we proceeded to the Thien Cung Cave. This spot amazed me! The space was so huge and the slightly cold ambiance was refreshing. This trip was indeed very memorable for me; not only was it my first trip abroad, it was also my first time to kayak and see stalactites.
We had our last dinner at the Hanoi Buffet Restaurant. The place was impressive with a lot of cuisines to choose from. Right after I finished my meal, they surprised me with a birthday cake and a birthday song in both English and Vietnamese languages. It left me speechless. I am very happy and touched with their sweet gesture. This was probably the most memorable birth week for me!
This workshop taught me a lot, making me realize that mastering the weather was not enough. As a weather presenter, I should also know how current situations are related to climate change. And since climate change is very complex and technical compared to weather, it is my job to simplify the concept and deliver it effectively to our audience.
Climate change is real. We have to act now because our future depends on how we address this global concern. We are now living in a world of “extremes” – extreme heat, extreme coldness, extreme cyclones and extreme drought. This could be the new normal if we do not do anything to prevent climate change impacts. Little by little, let us be united in exerting effort for a more sustainable life.
The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) held the third National Climate Conference at the Traders Hotel last month, aiming to encourage government and public response to climate-related risks and disasters. Scientists, local government units (LGUs) and members of the media participated in the discussion of the latest findings on climate-related issues through academic research. This year, the current state of climate and disaster in the Philippines was laid out, including its past trends, projected changes, and their implications to risk and vulnerabilities of various sectors. The main goal of the conference was to incorporate science in addressing the future impacts of climate change on a local scale.
Climate Trends and Disaster Risk Reduction
Based on the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), there is an observed trend of the warming of the atmosphere and ocean. Coupled with this is the increase of greenhouse gasses recorded in atmosphere, which PAGASA Deputy Administrative for Research and Development, Dr. Flaviana Hilario, stated was a clear indication of human influence on climate change. Its possible impacts are water shortage, and decrease in agricultural production and food security.
Aside from the 0.57-degree-Celsius increase in the annual mean temperature in atmosphere during the last 59 years, there was also an increase in the number of hot and warm nights while cold days and cold nights are decreasing and extreme rainfall events during the wet season. Based on PAGASA’s observation, tropical cyclones that entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) have become highly variable, but there is no indication of increase in the frequency. However, a slight increase in the number of tropical cyclones with maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour and above, which are classified under typhoon category, was exhibited during El Niño events from 1971 to 2010. Hilario adds that such information will benefit various sectors in hazard preparedness, especially in infrastructure vulnerability. Flood, Landslide and Storm Surges Maps are some of the projects of the Department of Science and Technology that can be utilized for planning purposes.
Increased Population
Aside from the Philippines’ perilous geographical location, which makes the country prone to weather disturbances, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, the increase in population also puts more people at risk. Since population has reached the 100-million mark, people are spilling over to the hazardous areas, building their homes along shorelines, which are prone to storm surges. According to Manila Observatory Associate Director for Research, Dr. Gemma Teresa Narisma, most tropical cyclones in the country are destructive and these could be even be more fatal with the population increase.
Disaster Response
Cited as a prime example of disaster response was the Hinatuan Municipality in Surigao del Sur. Vice Mayor Cristina Camba and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Josephine Lapaciros shared how they were able to adapt to the changing climate through information acquired from PAGASA and other agencies. Through this and partnership with private sectors, the LGU was able to provide early warning devices and systems, allowing them to achieve a zero-casualty status when Typhoons Sendong and Pablo hit Mindanao in 2011 and 2012, respectively. This accomplishment earned the municipality the National Gawad KALASAG for Excellence on Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Humanitarian Assistance in 2013.
Disasters from National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines
(NAST PHL)