David Noble, an advocate in the global fight against climate change, yesterday told a gathering of university students about the imperative of doing something to stop global warming.
Noble is the founder and principal of “2 Degrees C”, a consultancy firm that supports leadership and innovation for environment sustainability. He recently contributed to and co-edited the book “Stepping up to the Climate Change Challenge,” and was trained recently in “The Climate Project” of Nobel laureate Al Gore.
“The global temperature is projected to rise about two degrees Celsius over the next year or so, Noble warned the students during the global warming forum held at the audio-visual room of the University of San Carlos Law and Business building yesterday afternoon.
Noble said the Cebuanos should be aware of the dangers of climate change or global warming, which he said has been caused in large part by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels that tends to raise the volume of heat-retaining greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Global warming is the average measured temperature of the Earth’s near-surface air and oceans since the mid-twentieth century, and its projected continuation “due to the observed increase in anthropogenic (man-made) greenhouse gas concentrations” via an enhanced greenhouse effect, he said.
Noble said his mission now is to help empower young people to do better about climate change, adding that the students must be wary and concerned about this matter that he said is extremely relevant to the times.
Noble wants Cebuano students to help mitigate man-made climate change, raise public awareness, and ensure that mankind adapts to change that will come through 2 Degrees C, the company he founded almost five years ago.
The forum reactors were Gloria Estenzo-Ramos of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-National Environmental Action Team, the Green Forum; Provincial Board member Gina Patalinghug (Cebu, 2nd District), the Save Sibonga Movement, and Francisco Valenzona Jr. —environmental management head, and Salvador Loyola —operations management head, both of USC College of Commerce-BA department.
An open forum for the students was held later. — Niña Chrismae G. Sumacot/RAE