2 experts to address confab on climatology, disaster mgm’t

MANILA, Philippines - The conference keynote speaker of the “Partnerships for Disaster and Climate Resilience” on July 10 will be Dr. Jean-Pascal van Ypersele, vice-chairman of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC which shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore in 2007).

Van Ypersele noted that the Philippines is greatly affected by rising sea levels around the world, and because of this, even stronger storms in the future could wreak more severe damage to the country. He stressed the need for the Philippines to take climate adaptation seriously to prepare itself for what are expected to be continuing major risks from climate change.

“The Philippines can brace itself for the worst, but there’s no other way than to drastically change the way structures are built in the coastal areas. It’s to build a more resilient society, a more resilient infrastructure, an infrastructure made of housing, of buildings that resist better in extreme events with very high winds, very strong rain events. That is what is called adaptation to climate change and increasing the resilience,” van Ypersele said.

On July 9, the conference keynote speaker will be Professor Satoru Mimura of the Fukushima Future Center for Regional Revitalization, Fukushima University.  He will speak on the Fukushima Experience.  He has also been advisor to the director general, Southeast Asia and Pacific Division of JICA. From 2007 to 2009, he was director, Disaster Management Division, Global Environment Department of JICA.

 The conference will focus on the important role of local government as the first responders and builders of local resilience. More than preservation, and restoration, resilience involves three elements: preparedness, adaptation and transformation. It calls for a fundamental transformation in business models and mindsets regarding vulnerability in order to create a truly disaster and climate resilient society. There is a need to go beyond disaster risk reduction and management.  

The conference will be hosted by the Carlos P. Romulo Foundation for Peace and Development, the Zuellig Family Foundation and the Manila Observatory in cooperation with PLDT; AIG Philippines Insurance and Federal Phoenix Assurance. The conference will be held at the main lounge of the Manila Polo Club from July 9-10.  Those interested in attending should email Mel Reyes @ [email protected].