By Rolando A. Inciong
I congratulate San Pablo City’s leading youth environmentalist Jedryc Romero and the participants to the historic event held recently at the boardwalk of Sampalok Lake – the first youth climate change strike. The youth of San Pablo City joined this global youth action to call the attention of governments and citizens to the serious threat of climate change.
For the past two years, the world has been struggling to survive the COVID pandemic. COVID kills in a matter of a few days; that is why people are afraid of it. Under climate change, we only feel the heat and drought, the cold, typhoons and floods. They come a few times a year. That is why many people do not care about climate change. Even governments are acting slowly to prevent and mitigate climate change.
Climate change, also known as global warming, causes significant harm to our health through decreasing food production, declining water supplies, increasing risks of sickness and death due to infectious diseases and heat stress. Climate change causes rising sea levels, increased heat, drought and wildfires, and insect outbreaks.
All of us will be victims of climate change, especially the youth. But aside from being victims, the youth are valuable contributors to climate action. They are agents of change, whether through education, science or technology. The youth are leading our citizens; they are even giving good examples for adults to emulate. Mas marami pang nagagawa para sa kalikasan and mga kabataan kaysa sa mga matatanda, lalo na ang maraming pulitikong walang ginawa kundi mangako at magnakaw.
I appeal to the youth of San Pablo City to continue what they are doing, especially the group of Jedryc, who has presented their environment agenda to our local candidates. I read the agenda and they have better environmental advocacy than the City Government. Continue joining environmental organizations or groups, especially the Friends of the Seven Lakes Foundation headed by Monsignor Jerry Bitoon and Bobby Azores. Participate in governmental, non-governmental, school or community programs and projects against climate change; join clean-up drives in our lakes, at your schools or in your barangays; participate in tree growing activities; and in garbage recycling. Set good examples by reducing your consumption, thus, reducing your garbage. Segregate wastes, save on water and energy.
Most of all, be the guardians of our environment by calling the attention of the City Government when they fail to implement environmental laws. Report crimes against the environment. And lastly, never be afraid to make your voices heard. Cheers for Jedryc and his team.
