Municipality of Pangil

BALIAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Balian, Pangil, Laguna

CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues that the world is now facing. It is the result of
the interplay of natural and human related activities. It is also becoming a global concern because the
consequences are now within our midst- urgently calling everyone to address its impact on our
environment and our lives.
Climate change refers to the changes taking place in the earth’s climate. It is any long term,
significant change in the expected patterns of average weather of a specific region. Climate change is
not the same as weather. Weather is the condition of the atmosphere at a particular place and time
measured in terms of such things as wind, temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, cloudiness
and precipitation (rain, snow, etc.), while climate is the average pattern of a weather in a place.
The problem of climate change is mostly caused by human activities—one of which is the
greenhouse gas (GHG) emission from greenhouse gases (such as methane, nitrous oxide and carbon
dioxide). The greenhouse gases further bring about frequent floods and storms, tsunamis, hurricanes,
droughts, diseases and loss of lives. The natural causes of climate change include volcanic eruptions
(that cover the earth in dust and reflect the heat from the sun back into space); variations in solar
radiations; and natural fluctuations in the climate system itself.
It has been observed that warming in the Philippines is experienced mostly in the northern and
southern regions of the country – and hot days and hot nights become more frequent. Extreme weather
events have also occurred more often – such as deadly and damaging typhoons, floods, landslides,
drought and forest fires.
In response to the problem of climate change in the Philippines, the Philippine Clean Air Act of
1999 (or Republic Act 8749) was created. The law contains the following provisions: to establish air
quality guidelines and emission standards; ban smoking in public buildings; and mandate that all motor
vehicles undergo emissions testing once a year. It also paved the way for the elimination of leaded
gasoline. However, budget constraint and legal issues restrict the full implementation of the act.
Moreover, the Clean Air Act is under attack by big polluters and their allies in Congress. Moreover,
Republic Act 9729 or Climate Change Act of 2009 was signed by President Arroyo. It is an act
mainstreaming Climate Change into government policy formulations, establishing the framework
strategy and program on climate change, creating for this purpose the climate Change Commission,
and for other purposes.
The Climate Change Act states that the Local Government Units (LGU’s) shall be the frontline
agencies in the formulation, planning and implementation of climate change action plans in their
respective areas, consistent with the provisions of the Local Government Code, the Framework, and the
National Climate Change Action Plan. Barangays shall be directly involved with municipal and city
governments in prioritizing climate change issues and in identifying and implementing best practices
and other solutions.
The call to change is a call to become more nurturing, not only of each other, but also of the
earth. Mother Nature is telling us that she needs loving care and protection. Nature is reminding us that
she is “dying” and that her survival lies in our hands and in opening our hearts and minds to nurture
her more deeply now.

CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the following:
1. Burning fossil fuels. These fossil fuels are burned in cars, power stations and factories. About
half of the Carbon dioxide (CO2) released by burning fossil fuels is absorbed by the oceans.
It is taken up by minute sea creatures or dragged to the ocean depths by the circulation of
water.
2. Burning coals. Televisions, lights and computers are electricity that is created mainly from
burning coal.
3. Illegal Logging. Cutting of trees, deforestation, forest clearance and wood burning, which
adds to the carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere because there will be fewer trees to
absorb CO2).
 4. Coal mining activities which release methane. As agricultural activities increases, the
emission of methane also increases.
5. CFC. Use of CFC (chlorofluorocarbons) which trap more heat in the air than CO2. They are
found in fridges, air conditioners, aerosols etc.
6. Pollution. It is the introduction of contaminants into an environment that causes instability,
disorder, harm or discomfort to the ecosystem i.e. physical systems or living organisms.

In addition, the attitude of some people has also contributed to climate change. There is
sometime grave disrespect for mother nature and there is a lot of insensitivity regarding its
conservation and management.
Overpopulation, combined with ecologically unhealthy lifestyles are other factors affecting
climate change. Due to overcrowding in cities, tons of garbage are accumulated and sometimes illegally
dumped in oceans and rivers.

EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE:

1. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions result to global warming. Global warming is the increase of
average world temperatures as a result of greenhouse effect. Certain gases in the atmosphere act like
glass in greenhouse allowing sunlight through to heat the earth’s surface but trapping the heat as it
radiates back into space. As the greenhouse gases build up in the atmosphere the earth gets hotter.
2. Floods and storms, tsunamis and hurricanes will become more frequent and stronger as
oceans heat up causing more water to evaporate. An example of this occurrence is Typhoon Ondoy.
3. Droughts and shortage of water will occur. In summer, more continental heartlands will dry
out. 4. Soil erosion will cause flooding and landslides.
5. Damage to marine life will occur due to carbon dioxide and improper disposal of garbage.

6. Spread of diseases, epidemics and loss lives will occur. More people will suffer from the
following: heat strokes in summer, diarrhea during floods, lung problems and skin diseases due to air
pollution and many lives will be lost during calamities. As a result of calamities too, there will be slower
production of food.

WAYS TO MITIGATE THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

1. Conserve energy
 Segregate household materials (such as newspapers and bottles),then, recycle or sell the
materials segregated. Avoid the use of plastic disposable products.
 Use public transport .and cleaner more efficient cars (and carpool or join a carpool). Motor
vehicles are responsible for 1/3 carbon(CO2) dioxide emission. Every gallon of gasoline burn
puts 25 pounds of CO2 in the atmosphere, and we can boost the overall fuel efficiency of our
car as much as 30% by improving the vehicle fuel efficiency through practicing fuel efficiency
driving.
 Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL’s) bulbs. Incandescent bulbs
consume five times more energy then CFL’s, but produce the same amount of illumination
 Buy energy efficient appliances and reduces the energy used for cooling such as air
conditioners. Look at the label (energy efficient rating or EER). Remove the plug of appliances
when not in use.
 Conserve water. Use rain water for plants or for cleaning the garden.
 Plant trees or vegetables in your backyard or garden and promote the use of organic fertilizers.
 Use renewable/ alternative energy such as solar power. More funding is required for research
and development of alternative pollution-free energy sources such as solar, wave and wind
energy.
2. Elect political leaders (on the local and national levels) who support sound ecology, peace principles
and programs.
3. Simplify lifestyle that supports environmental conservation.
4. Encourage family planning to control overpopulation.
5. Advocate all the aforementioned ways in communities/ barangays, offices, corporations, hospitals,
schools, welfare agencies, etc.