The Scorching Tragedy

Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has declared
the El Niño Alert Level in our country. According to them, the risk of experiencing El Niño in the months
of June to January next year rose to about 90 percent. El Niño, a spanish word meaning “little boy” has
been the name of the phenomenon where there is an abnormal dryness of the environment. El Niño is
the other half of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation.

CAUSES OF EL NIÑO

El Niño has been around in our environment for so long, it has been part of the cycle. The phenomenon
is not caused by human activities, however we cannot deny the fact that our activities have contributed
to its worsening effects.

When the waters from the Pacific Ocean start to warm, the warmth of the El Niño can also be felt. When
the wind that pushes the waters into parts of Asia and Australia weakens, the warm waters are pushed
back to the west causing an intense heat that we can feel. Researchers are not yet sure about the cycle
but one thing for sure, this cycle can have a contribution in the phenomenon.

Humankind has already been a major contributor and we cannot deny that the effects of our actions can
be clearly seen and felt. Factories and vehicles have contributed to ruining our ozone layer thus allowing
the harmful UV rays to penetrate our planet. Unleaded gasoline causes harmful gasses and does not
harm the planet only but our health.

We humans are trying to ruin our planet, our trees are left with their trunks and the forests that were
once green are now brown. Trees have contributed a lot in our ecosystem, from producing oxygen that
we breathe, homes of our different species and being our shade. Since the start of commercialization,
trees have been cut down to make room for new subdivisions and buildings, and with fewer greens,
there are fewer filters for the warm winds

EFFECTS OF EL NIÑO

Agriculture sector has been one of our major contributors when it comes to our economy but with the
continuous effects of El Niño, it is no joke that we might lose this industry soon. Irrigation waters has
been dried out and cracks in soils can be visibly found, these add hardship to our farmers as they cannot
produce enough crops and their capitals would gain enough profit. Food security and employment can
also be affected as there will be lesser produce and the manpower needed for production will decrease.

Our health is also being put at risk. Dehydration and heat stroke cases are now unbelievably high, some
of which are dying because of the scorching heat. Nosebleeds are also rampant and headaches can also
be felt more than before. There have also been some cases of fainting due to the unbelievable heat.

Aside from its effects on the environment and health, it can also affect education. Students experience
severe perspiration while listening to their lessons inside their classrooms. With only one electric fan
and no proper ventilation, it is a challenge for students to focus on the discussion. There has also been a
campaign to switch to modular learning or a call to bring back the past academic schedule.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

As humans, we can do a lot. As I have said, we are one of the major contributors in its causes and
hopefully we can also be a major contributor in minimizing its powers. We might not be able to fully
replenish El Niño as it is part of the Earth’s cycle, we can still at least help the environment heal and
make what El Niño can do less.

To mitigate its effects on the environment, we can at least show simple efforts that can start a
difference. By simply putting our trash in the proper bin and walking rather than using vehicles, we can
already help stop the emitted carbon dioxide from gasoline. In every tree that was cut down, there
should be at least two new trees planted. We can also add irrigation canals to supply water and help
farmers recover.

By indicating a simple explanation about El Niño, I hope we can start taking action. I do believe that with
each little hand is a big palm combined. Always remember the saying “We will because we can”. As the
El Niño phenomenon is on its journey to end a beautiful life story, I hope that we can already do what
we should do. I always believe that our micro efforts will have its macro effects and with these thoughts
in mind, I clearly believe that we can end this scorching tragedy.