SEM. BRYAN S.

VALENZUELA
Special Philosophy 2 – Unitas 2027
Socio-Political Philosophy

CLIMATE CHANGE

Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns are referred to as climate change,

according to the United Nations. These changes could be caused by natural processes, such

oscillations in the solar cycle. The combustion of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas has been the

primary cause of climate change since the 1800s, however, and this has been mostly attributable

to human activity. Fossil fuel combustion produces greenhouse gas emissions that serve as a

blanket around the planet, trapping heat from the sun and increasing temperatures. Carbon

dioxide and methane are two examples of greenhouse gas emissions that are contributing to

climate change. They are produced, for instance, while burning coal or gasoline to heat a

building. Carbon dioxide can also be released during forest and land clearing. Methane emissions

are primarily produced by waste landfills. Among the major emitters are energy, industry,

transportation, buildings, agriculture, and land use.

The Legazpi City Government runs various award-winning programs about

environmental protection and coping with climate change. Legazpi's Disaster and Coordination

Council has taken significant steps in recent years to increase catastrophe risk management and

reduction (LCDCC). This is also reflected in the country's land-use planning, where no-build

zones are designated for places close to the coast and those within six to eight kilometers of

Mount Mayon. The city was given the Climate Change Commission's inaugural Climate-

Adaptive and Disaster-Resilient (CLAD) Award for Cities and Municipalities (CCC). The city's

initiatives to plant fruit trees and mangroves, create organic gardens, and test a rainwater

collection system were the basis for the prize. As part of the Albay Province’s adoption of the
policy, the city is part of a "Zero Casualty" framework toward natural disasters, which has also

become the basis of national reforms in the Philippines for preparing for disasters and climate

change.

The Bicol Region, specifically Albay, has survived a number of volcanic eruptions and

typhoons for years. These natural calamities are normal for us, and I could say that I am used to

them. I am proud that I am a Bicolano because disaster preparedness has been taught to us.

Based on what I heard from the old folks in our place, particularly my grandmother, typhoons are

becoming stronger and stronger compared to past typhoons. One of the reasons for this is the

climate change and environmental crises that are being experienced globally. I noticed that the

green areas in our place are diminishing. Trees are being cut down to make way for roads and/or

relocation areas. I am saddened by the fact that modernization has brought about a drastic change

in the environment. Although the environment has been affected, I could not discount the

benefits of this conversion for people. Traffic becomes lighter. The quality of life of the people

improves. Economy grows. These are essentials from the standpoint of an economist. I

personally miss the old setup of Legazpi City, where nature has always been our number one

priority. The government should not wait for another typhoon like Yolanda or Reming that

would cause devastating floods to save more lives.

Another factor that intensifies the effects of climate change in Legazpi City is the growth

of the mining industry in Mayon Volcano. As far as I know, the area of Mayon Volcano where

tourists are allowed to go has been ordered to be closed to the public. The reason is to prevent

risking lives due to the changing activity of the volcano. But there is an allegation that the true

reason for the closure is to give way to the mining activity within the area. Mining provides us

with the building blocks of modern society. But much of the energy used to get minerals out of
the ground and process them today comes from fossil fuels and releases greenhouse gases into

the atmosphere. Forty-four percent of all carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industry come

from producing steel and non-metallic mineral products like cement.

In the seminary, there are practices in accordance with Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter,

Laudato Si. The Holy Father has written this letter, addressed to every person on this planet,

asking us all to protect our common home, the earth. He speaks openly about the devastating

effects the ecological crisis has on people and the planet. He says that climate change is real and

urgent, and it must be tackled, asking us to remember that the climate is "a common good,

belonging to all and meant for all". Proper solid waste management has been implemented in

order to at least contribute to slowing or easing the effects of climate change.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) stands at the core of the action in

the fight against climate change. It tackles the climate crisis on a variety of fronts: encouraging

the transition to low and zero carbon emissions in key sectors such as energy, agriculture,

buildings, forestry, industry, and transport; working with governments, civil society, and the

private sector to improve air quality and reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants;

protecting and restoring natural ecosystems such as forests, coral reefs, and peatlands while

combating the sources of degradation; empowering communities to adapt to changing conditions

by building resilient ecological foundations; and supporting public engagement and behavior

change through global campaigns and education programs.

In my opinion, two things are needed in order to lessen climate change: education and

empowerment. Knowing what is going on in the world allows us to become aware of the

problem's current state. This education must be empowered and translated into programs that, in

some way, would heal the ozone layer. This is a call for cooperation.