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Nstp-Lesson Climate Change
Nstp-Lesson Climate Change
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.
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.
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.