Youth camp focuses on climate change

CEBU, Philippines - A total of 60 youth participants coming from the different universities and places in Cebu joined the three-day “Youth Leaders-Advocates Camp 2011” held at the Don Bosco Retreat House in Mantalongon, Dalaguete town.

With the theme “Lead the G.R.E.E.N. Change Against Climate Change,” the activity started on April 1 with the aim to provide the youth with a new understanding of the quest for climate justice. It also seeks to readdress the youth’s energies to a more meaningful and productive activities as well as to develop their talents, creativity and resourcefulness while promoting friendship in their pursuit of relevant social issues.

The first day of the camp opened with the study of the global environmental crisis and its impact on the people’s lives including the inputs on global environmental principles, systems, protection and strategies. The discussion focused on the youth’s role in the present day society.

Pete Pinlac, Secretary General of Manggagawa sa Komunikasyon ng Pilipinas (MKP), one of the guest speakers, talked about the present global crisis and its implications on the people’s lives and the environment.

Atty. Gloria Estenzo-Ramos, co-director of Philippine Earth Justice Center Inc., discussed on the coal fired-power plant in Metro Cebu including its effects and the local initiatives.

Ramos said coal is reported to be the dirtiest greenhouse gas and there has been high incidence of illnesses caused by it such as respiratory illness, cancer, asthma, and even heart ailments that are common to the people that live in a community near a coal-fired power plant.

Presently, there are three coal fired-power plants in Cebu wherein two are situated in Naga and the other one in Toledo City. (FREEMAN)