WEEK 1

SPEECH
Nature manifests itself in a variety of gentle and violent ways. We can observe how it
can be peaceful at times and then become aggressive at some point. But we humans can't
control everything, and one example of this is disasters. Today, I'm here to talk about the
different risk factors that underlie disasters.
To start, let's define what a disaster is. Disaster is a sudden, catastrophic occurrence
that causes significant harm, injury, destruction, and devastation to life and property.
Concerning this, we should always consider the risk factors that significantly influence the
impact of an inevitable disaster.
Climate Change
The first risk factor on the list is climate change. Climate change affects disaster risks in
two ways, firstly through the likely increase in weather and climate hazards, and secondly by
increasing populations' vulnerability to natural hazards, mainly through ecological degradation,
reduced water and food availability, and changes in livelihoods.
Environmental Degradation
One of the prime contributors to climate change is land degradation. When land is
degraded, it reduces the soil's ability to take up carbon, exacerbating climate change. In turn,
climate change exacerbates land degradation. In general, environmental changes significantly
affect the frequency and intensity of hazards and our exposure and vulnerability to them.
Globalized Economic Development
On a worldwide scale, globalized economic progress has resulted in growing polarization
between the rich and the poor. As more assets are built in hazard-prone locations, this has
increased vulnerability to disasters in some circumstances while also boosting exposure to
hazards in others.
Poverty and Inequality
While the new global economy aided the success of particular areas, cities, and groups
in the global economy, it also encouraged the marginalization of others. This results in poverty
and inequality, which is expected to increase or change our vulnerability to disasters. This
means that poor people are more likely to live in hazard-exposed areas and have fewer
resources to invest in risk-reduction initiatives.
Poorly planned and Managed Urban Development
Urbanization and population density are increasing, which can pose a risk, especially
when urbanization is rapid, poorly managed, and occurs in a setting of widespread poverty. An
example of this is the informal settlements in metro-manila.
Weak Governance
One of the most significant issues we encounter is poor governance. This happens when
the government lacks support in protecting human rights, delivering essential services, and
ensuring efficient and effective public sector management in preparation, during, or after
disasters.
Geographical Location
Our country sits above the Pacific Ring of fire which makes us prone to volcanic activity
and earthquakes. Aside from this, the Pacific Ocean is located on the country's left coast,
making it vulnerable to storms that cause flooding, mudslides, and typhoons.
Like I said before, humans can't control a disaster when it happens. However, we can
prevent them. To put it another way, whenever a disastrous situation arises that threatens life
and the environment, we must take immediate action to save and preserve lives.
As part of the youth, we can play an essential role in disaster preparedness, specifically
mitigating these risk factors. We can contribute by doing simple things to help fight climate
change like recycling to reduce carbon footprints, planting trees, and using fewer plastics.
These things will also help to control environmental degradation. Aside from this, gas-powered
vehicles guzzle up fossil fuels, clog highways, and spew out toxic greenhouse gases that add
up to a ton of pollution. So if possible, you might well use your bike or walk.
The 2022 elections are coming up, and I urged everyone to vote for climate-conscious
candidates who will commit to setting science-based carbon reduction targets, implementing
clear-eyed climate change strategies, and transitioning to a clean-energy economy.
As disaster threats are inevitable, efforts should be directed to reduce the disaster risks
via implementing risk mitigation measures to lessen the impacts. Numerous significant
organizations are striving to promote conservation and climate action around the country.
Joining one of these groups can help you connect with like-minded people and make a much
more significant difference. Just because your means may be limited does not mean your
impact has to be. We have the power to make a difference, so we should go out there and make
it happen.