AS the Climate Change Commission (CCC) of the Philippines celebrated the 12th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week from November 18 to 22, 2019, at One Esplanade in Pasay City, the conversation remains focused on how the Philippines has taken action on the problem and what its plans are for the future.
Part of the weeklong celebration were activities like the Third National Convention on Climate Change Adaptation, “Ctrl+S Now: A Print Exhibition on Climate Change Awareness and Action,” and “Making Climate Finance Count: Increasing Flows for Adaptation.”
As the country’s lead policy-making body tasked to coordinate, monitor, and evaluate the government programs related to the creation of plans and strategies that will mitigate the effects of climate change in the country, CCC is ready to lead the country as it moves toward low carbon and climate-resilient development. This is according to CCC head Secretary Emmanuel M. de Guzman.
One aspect that requires
attention would be the production, use, and disposal of single-use plastics.
Experts from environmental organizations have said that one possible solution
is for the Philippines to uphold the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
strategy. If this becomes a legislation, manufacturers will be held responsible
for the packaging of their products up to the end of its life cycle. The
government may also choose to ban the use of single-use plastics, or to require
that all plastics used in packaging should be recyclable. The public,
naturally, needs to support the call to
formalize these regulations.
Manufacturers have the power (as well as the responsibility) to influence their customers’ behavior. It only takes a little creativity and innovation. Possible strategies that they can implement would be to give out discounts for every use of reusable packaging or containers, or award points to those customers who recycle. Their advertising and PR agencies can definitely think of more creative ways to nudge people to change their ways.
These companies and manufacturers also have a say in the way their suppliers deliver the raw materials. They can always request their partners to use environment-friendly packaging in delivery, for example.
Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, author of the Climate Change Act that gave birth to the CCC, said during the above-mentioned event that we have reached the point of no return. She said that we all have to take action now in order to survive; otherwise, people are going to die. She also said that climate science already presented the possibilities that we all face as we fight against the challenges brought about by climate change.
As to be expected, changing mindsets and behavior appears to be the biggest hurdle in this advocacy. But if the government and businesses will take responsibility and initiate proper action, then people may be influenced, educated, and moved to change their attitudes, habits and lifestyle.
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Let us remember the life, courage, and heroism of Sen. Ninoy Aquino (Benigno Aquino Jr.) on Wednesday, November 27, his birth anniversary. Ninoy was born in Tarlac, in 1932.