EDITORIAL - World Environment Month

In Kalinga, the National Irrigation Administration and irrigators’ associations planted around 2,000 assorted seedlings this weekend. Similar activities are scheduled in the coming weeks as part of celebrations marking World Environment Month. Most of the activities kicked off around the globe on June 5, World Environment Day.

A highlight of the month will be the holding of the Rio+20 conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on June 20-22, to tackle climate change. The event marks the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, also held in Rio de Janeiro, and the 10th anniversary of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, held in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Philippines, one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, must be represented at the Rio+20.

World Environment Month highlights this year’s theme for World Environment Day – “Green Economy: Does It Include You?” The UN Environment Program describes a green economy as one that improves human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. A green economy is resource-efficient, low carbon and socially inclusive.

The Philippines, buffeted by an average of 20 destructive typhoons every year and prone to massive flooding and deadly mudslides because of deforestation, needs to develop a comprehensive and viable response to climate change. Moving toward a green economy that promotes social equity and human well-being is a long-term response. Many of the adverse consequences of climate change are already being felt and must be addressed immediately.

Global warming has led to the destruction of natural habitats, the extinction or endangerment of many species and dwindling fish catch, disrupting food supplies. Rising sea levels are threatening coastal urban centers. Weather disturbances, including droughts, floods, blizzards and hurricanes, have become more severe and are increasingly occurring out of season in many parts of the world. World Environment Month is a reminder that every country must be prepared to alter lifestyles and confront these changes. When it comes to dealing with the environment, it can no longer be business as usual for the world.