Former United States Vice President Al Gore visited Tacloban City over the weekend to see for himself how the people had rebuilt their lives after surviving one of the strongest weather events on record.
Upon his return to Manila, he led a three-day training among so-called climate warriors who would amplify calls on government, corporations and individuals alike to do something to mitigate the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Gore established the scientific link between the increase in global temperature and the occurrence of extreme weather events. He also emphasized that the Philippines tops the list of countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change even as its emissions, both historical and current, have been insignificant.
Talking about the climate is as timely as it is urgent. “We do not have centuries; we have years,” Gore said. This backdrop sets the stage for a more popularized discussion of the effects of climate change and means of mitigation and adaptation.
But why isn’t the discussion happening right now in the context of the Philippine elections, less than two months away?
Climate change is hardly mentioned as presidential candidates go around communities, shake the hands of voters and present what they intend to if they get elected. There is talk about addressing poverty, improving education, upgrading infrastructure and pursuing some path or another.
There is no mention, however, of how to balance the country’s power needs with the recognition that sources of energy should shift from coal-based to clean. Experience tells us that while renewable energy like solar and wind may cost more to establish, there is an ultimate, hidden cost to sticking with fossil-fuel based sources. In fact, the Philippines—led by President Aquino himself—committed to this by signing the Paris agreement along with 195 other nations in December.
Disasters end lives and undo gains realized over decades, and it is a wonder that government officials only talk about reducing and managing disaster risk in the aftermath of such an event. There has also been no progress in proposals to institutionalize an agency that would lead DRR efforts. At present, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is composed of several agencies that must hurdle coordination challenges on top of actually addressing the needs of the affected communities.
A few weeks remain until the people are expected to cast their votes on May 9. There is still time to raise the questions that matter. The answers may not be as racy as those made attacking other candidates, but these responses will give us a better idea of how these aspirants regard the job they are applying for.