'Saving earth is everyone's duty'

MANILA, Philippines - Even as the recent Copenhagen climate summit had failed, Filipinos must show the world that they are willing to work together in the fight against global warming, according to Ecological Society of the Philippines (ESP) president Antonio M. Claparols.

“The task of saving the planet and protecting the environment is so huge that we need all the help we can get,” he said. “That is why the government and the private sector must join hands for this cause.”

The summit in Copenhagen last December failed because of the inability of first world countries to cooperate and commit to a meaningful reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.  

“Copenhagen may have failed to inspire global leaders to save mother earth but it succeeded in creating international awareness that the threat is very much real,” Claparols said.

The Filipino nation, he added, can take the lead by example.

“For a start, we need to have a total log ban and launch a massive reforestation program,” Claparols said. “In a very doable scale, we also need to promote organic farming and strictly enforce laws on illegal fishing.”