Youth seek measures vs climate change

MANILA, Philippines - Youth in three major universities explored what they can do to address climate change, something that experts in a knowledge-sharing forum in Silliman University in Dumaguete City say is already at Filipinos’ doorsteps.

The forum showed that the youth can do something about climate change by observing changes in nature, documenting local best practices in climate change adaptation and telling others about them, measuring and reducing electricity consumption at home, changing to more efficient light bulbs, using public transportation, and recycling, among others.

Organizers of the forum, namely the Knowledge for Development Center (KDC) in Silliman University, University of San Carlos, and the Central Philippine University; the World Bank, and Smart Communications, hope that the discussion will spark flickers of ideas among the youth so they can submit proposals on household responses to climate change.

Winning ideas will get P25,000 each from Smart. “Don’t be overwhelmed by all the information; don’t be distracted; get involved,” said Jan Bojo, sector leader for environment in East Asia & the Pacific Region at the World Bank.

“We at the World Bank are working on the transfer of resources from the rich to the poor to address climate change issues,” Bojo added.

Ramon Isberto, head of public affairs at Smart, said solutions for climate change make good sense for companies and individuals.

Ben Malayang III, Silliman president and one of the panelists, reminded the youth: “The depths of our humanity will be measured by how we care for each other and the world.”

Around 220 representatives from civil society, students, and local government units attended the forum held last month in Silliman. The forum was webcast to the KDC of University of San Carlos in Cebu where around 30 representatives from students, faculty, civil society, national and local government units participated.