VISITING President of the United States Donald J. Trump was asked last Sunday to take a second look at the issue of global warming and climate change, apparently hoping to convince one of the world’s global leaders to reconsider his position on environmental issues.
To recall, Trump has announced his decision to withdraw US support to the Paris climate accord.
Citing studies, they said developing countrie,s like the Philippines, are among those gravely affected by global warming and climate change.
“[A] few days ago, we remembered the painful memories of the gruesome deaths of 6,000 Filipinos and the massive devastations of a great part of our country brought about by Supertyphoon Yolanda that ravaged the Philippines [on] November 8, 2013,” Clean Air Philippines Movement Inc. (Capmi) Chairman Michael Aragon said in a statement. “Because of the continuing threat to Filipino life and limb, we are appealing to Trump to take a second look at the issue of global warming and climate change.”
Aragon cited studies that showed the Philippines is included among the top list of countries most vulnerable to the deadly effects of climate change. According to Aragon, the Philippines’s minor contribution to the total global carbon footprint is only 0.3 percent, or less than 1 percent vis-à-vis the major carbon footprint contributions of the First World countries like the US.
“Yet, when fatal disasters strike due to global warming and climate change, it is the Filipinos who suffer most.”
Aragon said Capmi does not intend to debate on Trump’s personal views on climate change.
“But we seek your compassionate heart for you to see the clear and present danger that continuously threatens all Filipinos due to global warming and climate change.”
Aragon first made the appeal last Friday during the launching ceremony of the joint Capmi-Environmental Management Bureau Clean Air Patrol project at the EMB central office grounds in Quezon City.
Capmi recently declared Davao City a “Clean Air City” and Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio as its “Clean Air Champion.”