The Earth had its hottest day on July 4 when the average global temperature hit 17 degrees Celsius for the first time since recording of temperature in the northern hemisphere began in 1884. Such high temperatures are likely here too in the Philippines. The climate is changing for the worst as the temperature increases and continuous illegal cutting down of trees is making it worse.
This is a very serious situation since the threat of drought and low rainfall is likely. Water sources are becoming scarce and a weak rainy season could mean a very poor planting season in Asia. The Philippines imports much of its rice and for sure Asia will produce much less thus increasing the price. That is a challenge and problem for the nation.
Expensive rice causes unrest, hunger and unhappiness. Behind this hotter climate is the amount of CO2 gas we have pumped into the atmosphere. We are continuously burning coal, gas and oil at unprecedented levels and it is actually increasing, not diminishing, despite the global conferences trying to get nations to change to renewable sources of energy production.
Energy companies are investing more in wind, solar and hydropower generation with solar panels, windmills, dams and geothermal plants. Much more has to be done, especially in the Philippines.
To lower the CO2 in the atmosphere and to offset the disasters that are already here and yet to come, we can plant bushes and trees. We can stop the illegal felling of trees that goes on with the connivance of some corrupt politicians and officials who seem to have no patriotic love of the Filipino people and the environment.
In 1901, the forest cover was likely stood at 80 per cent or more. After World War II, the Philippine forests were widely devastated by greedy politicians making money from uncontrolled, non-stop logging for rebuilding Manila, but more for rebuilding Japan and Europe. The Filipino billionaires were born. There are now only seven million hectares of rainforest left or just 25 per cent
In 1901, the forest cover was likely stood at 80 per cent or more. After World War II, the Philippine forests were widely devastated by greedy politicians making money from uncontrolled, non-stop logging for rebuilding Manila, but more for rebuilding Japan and Europe. The Filipino billionaires were born. There are now only seven million hectares of rainforest left or just 25 per cent.
In 2010, the Philippines had 13.2 million hectares of natural forest, extending over 62 per cent of its land area. In 2021, it lost 37.7 thousand hectares of natural forest, equivalent to 22.5 metric tons of CO2 emissions. The Philippine government must stop the destruction of forests and natural resources and protect the environmental protectors that are being murdered. Everyone must plant more trees.
AC Energy of the Ayala group of companies, owned by billionaire Jaime Zobel de Ayala, is building a 283 megawatt solar power farm in San Marcelino, Zambales. According to a statement from AC Energy, the solar plant is one of the biggest in the Philippines.
The company has sub-contractors assigned to cut all the trees in a wide pathway over the hills and mountains for the transmission lines. They are already building gigantic towers. Despite a contractual obligation to plant thousands of saplings to replace the mature trees that have been cut down, AC Energy has allegedly failed to do so. Apparently, in some deal they turned over a few thousands seedlings to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Cawag, Subic, for them to do the replanting.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
Photos show the damaged landscape now being washed away by the rain and nothing has been replanted, according to environmental protectors and observers
The hilly landscape where the towers are to be built is bare and pose the danger of landslides. Allegedly, AC Energy has not successfully implemented a sustainable, professional replanting project. Photos show the damaged landscape now being washed away by the rain and nothing has been replanted, according to environmental protectors and observers.
This column contacted the AC Energy spokesperson and sent photographs of the destroyed landscape to ask for a comment. A spokesperson promised to get back to this column but no one responded with information on replanting activities.
According to a published statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC], AC Energy is spending US$293 million [$2.29 billion]. The company should show more care for the environment. The solar project is supposed to save and protect the environment. The power company should be held accountable for the protection of the environment and show concern for the people suffering from the searing heat.
The Aboitiz Corporation is also constructing a solar plant in Tabacuhan, Olongapo City, and is also building transmission lines in the same general area as AC Energy.
With less trees to absorb CO2, the weather is hotter and all will suffer. Life will be unbearable in cities and for outdoor workers
Its cables were originally going to pass close to the Preda Foundation’s children’s home [Sunday Examiner, June 11], but through peaceful negotiation, the company has agreed to relocate the towers further away and the transmission lines will be at a safe distance since radiation from the high powered cables are said to be a danger that can cause cancer.
That’s why human dwellings cannot be constructed under such transmission lines.
Aboitiz has also made promises to replant saplings [not seedlings, which don’t usually survive]. The Environmental Watch group will observe and even join the replanting project, according to the representative of Aboitiz Corporation.
With less trees to absorb CO2, the weather is hotter and all will suffer. Life will be unbearable in cities and for outdoor workers.
An average of 15 to 22 days of rain is expected this July, according to forecasters. So expect it to continue and to even get hotter. The new world record of the hottest day this year is likely to repeat or be surpassed.
However we can all call for a reduction of coal, oil and gas burning in power plants and support the expansion of renewable energy sources. Above all, they too must save the forests and plant more trees.
Father Shay Cullen
www.preda.org
