Intense rainfall persisting over days, droughts threatening the farmlands and the farmers’ livelihood, continuously rising sea levels and alarming flashfloods – these are only some of the negative effects that the mankind has done to put the foundation of all life on Earth in the danger zone.
Facing climate change
Every day, our planet’s diversity of life is being threatened as climate change brings an imminent danger to the places, species and people that we care about. It has become the biggest environmental challenge that the new generation has to face with.
Because of our inconsiderate actions towards nature, the Earth’s atmosphere is warming faster than before. Manmade activities such as the excessive burning and use of fossil fuels, deforestation, intensive livestock farming, and industrial processes build up the greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. As a result, the usual weather patterns are now changed.
In the Philippines, Filipinos appear to neglect such environmental struggles. And as a result, drastic weather changes in the country bring various diseases such as malaria, dengue, and even severe colds. Tropical typhoons are also expected to be more catastrophic than Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). And by 2020, the temperature will rise by 0.9°C to 1.1°C.
The ocean surface warms as it absorbs heat from the sun. The ocean, in return, releases some of the heat into the atmosphere, producing wind and rain clouds above the surface. However, as the ocean’s temperature drastically increases because of climate change, a lot of heat is released into the atmosphere. This additional heat generates stronger and more frequent storms – which is exactly what environmentalists have observed in the country for over a decade.
Companies’ help to the environment.
Starbucks is one of those firms that care for the environment as it comes up with strategies on tackling climate change.
According to the known coffee shop, farmers are reporting shifts in rainfall and harvest patterns that affect their livelihood, not to mention the increased soil erosion and infestation by pests.
“Addressing climate change is a big priority for Starbucks. We believe now is the time to increase our investments in solutions and strategies that address this crisis. The steps we’re taking not only address our environmental footprint – they help to ensure the supply of high-quality coffee that our customers expect from us into the future,” said Starbucks on its website.
The American coffee company has been implementing a climate change strategy since 2004, focusing on renewable energy, energy conservation and collaboration, and advocacy.
“We are working to significantly shrink our environmental footprint by conserving energy and water, reducing the waste associated with our cups, increasing recycling and incorporating green design into our stores,” said Starbucks.
“Gulp instead of sip. Think of the environment,” said American fast food giant KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) in its mission to support the no-plastic campaign.
Improper disposal of garbage, caused by plastic items and straws, is one of the many causes why the Philippines experiences severe flooding. There has been reports online where even turtles were affected by plastic straws.
Meanwhile, by collecting and recycling 100 percent of its plastic bottles, the Coca-Cola company announced last Jan. 20 that it will reshape its approach to packaging by 2030.
“This goal is the centerpiece of the company’s new packaging vision for a ‘World Without Waste,’ which the Coca-Cola system intends to back with a multiyear investment that includes ongoing work to make packaging 100-percent recyclable,” the company said in a report.
The known soda provider worldwide said that it is investing dollars and skills to design better bottles “whether through more recycled content, by developing plant-based resins, or by reducing the amount of plastic in each container.”
Coca-Cola Philippines is supporting the group called Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability.
Meanwhile, Ayala Land Inc., the property development arm of the Ayala Group, is dedicating nearly 500 hectares of its planned carbon forests to its project.
In line with the plans to augment the company’s total carbon emission reduction by 20 percent year-on-year, the ALI chose five different sites in the country, covering a total of 450 hectares, to serve as “carbon forests.” This forest regeneration and preservation plan also implements the passive cooling design in energy efficiency and renewable energy sourcing to reach carbon neutrality.
The five sites are in Lio in Palawan, Sicogon in Iloilo, Alaminos in Laguna, Kan-Irag in Cebu and Talomo in Davao.
With all the environmental setbacks happening in the country, the Philippines remains one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. But if we work together and start executing the plan like what the mentioned companies have done, then maybe we can all make a difference.