Global Warming. It?s the major crisis we see in the news but something we might not necessarily delve deeper into. You may also have heard the debate on whether it is a hoax or not, but in all reality, this is something we have to acknowledge, and take action upon. So what is this phenomenon? What is this force we try to ignore, even if its effect is right in front of our eyes?

In short, it is what we identify as the increase of Planet Earth?s average temperature emerging from the surface. This is mainly due to modernization and the effects it brings such as greenhouse gases, land clearing, the building of industries, farming, and methane production.

This issue has been one of the largest environmental concerns in the past decades, for good reason, as a matter of fact. Let?s take sea level increase for instance. The growth of seven inches from the past 100 years outnumbers the amount of growth from the past 2000 years. Also, in terms of carbon emissions, each year in this decade ranks among the hottest since the 1800s. Species have also suffered, accumulating up to a total of 1 million going extinct. If this steady increase goes on, which records have been set in the past three straight years, experts predict that there will be a 20% fall in global economic collapse, melt the Arctic and major glaciers within decades, bring multitudes of natural disasters, and send many of us humans to the brink of death.

The Philippines is home to one of the largest growing economies in Asia especially accentuated with modern day technology and a higher demand for consumer goods because of population increase. Solutions are desperately needed and thanks to the previous Paris COP21 agreement made stating the need for nations to work together to scrutinize actions and investments needed for environmental progress, this can be done. The United Nations (UN), looking at a similar approach is another major helping factor. Goals, missions, and detailed articles guarantee successful solutions. But this may not be the case for the aforementioned nation.

Recently elected President Rodrigo Duterte has refused to acknowledge such agreements and has actually referred to it as ?stupid.? His reason is the fact that economic growth would be hindered due to the bound partnership between countries part of the said pact. This is ironic however. According to the UN, rising temperatures, leading to damage from disasters, deaths, and losses in biodiversity, are to cost the world economy over 2 trillion US dollars by the year 2030. This is even more of a vital situation in regards to the location of the Philippines and how it is prone to many natural disasters, mainly typhoons, floods and earthquakes, making it easily susceptible to climate change. Though the nation only contributes one percent of carbon emissions, as mentioned, it is a developing country with a lot of potential for industrialization related progress. Plus, actions made in relation to climate change agreements can pave the way for future change including support from less active countries.

As a result of the president?s decision, thankfully a large amount of climate justice organizations, world leaders, and individuals in general, have expressed their protest. Emphasis on the scientific background of global warming. Emphasis on how the Philippines is responsible for the footprints it leaves behind. Emphasis on the complexity of the global issue, bearing the necessity of various voices. These were all made countless amounts of times and through the collective ideas from the community, this should strive to change. The Philippines really does have a powerful say in such matters, one example coming from the leading of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, which consists of the world?s countries most vulnerable to climate change, as the name suggests. Many pertinent and workable goals are made to much effect such as maintaining a 1.5 degrees limitation of temperature, removing carbon waste made by economic factors, having a large increase of renewable energy, and having 0-emissions by 2050.

It?s amazing how much people recognize the need to stand for what is right - not just for themselves but for the future. More awareness should be spread about the issue so that all the voices of the Filipino people can be echoed to the international community. And it can, because the path towards environmental sustainability is within our reach. All we have to do is to walk forward.

Works Cited:

http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/140277-environmental-groups-advocates-duterte-climate-agreement

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/global-warming-climate-change-economic-effects-jobs-too-hot-to-work-india-china-a7143406.html

http://www.livescience.com/topics/global-warming

http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/various-global-warming-facts.php

http://www.al.com/news/huntsville/index.ssf/2016/07/global_warming_on_track_for_th.html