MANILA – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is raising an alarm about climate change. DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga recently shared a message in preparation for Earth Hour, urging everyone to take part actively in fighting climate issues.
Earth Hour asks people to switch off their lights for one hour, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., as a symbol of shared commitment to our planet. Loyzaga noted, “Every small action matters. When millions join in, these actions add up to make a real difference.”
Even with various global agreements like the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Loyzaga pointed out that we are not on track to meet vital environmental targets. According to recent statistics, greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, and biodiversity is declining at alarming rates. For instance, a 2023 report revealed that over 1 million species are at risk of extinction, with climate change being a primary driver.
In the Philippines, where climate vulnerability is significant, extreme weather events have become more frequent. This year alone, six typhoons struck the nation within a month, a stark reminder of climate change’s effects on weather patterns. Loyzaga highlighted that such events are increasingly common and threaten both lives and livelihoods.
Coral reefs, essential for marine biodiversity, are also suffering due to rising sea temperatures. In fact, the Philippines produces around 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste every year, severely impacting marine ecosystems and food security.
Yet, there is hope. Loyzaga noted encouraging signs like reef recovery, ongoing reforestation efforts, and innovative technologies to track ecosystem health. She emphasized the need for unity among communities and businesses for building resilience against climate impacts.
The Earth Hour initiative began in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, and has since spread to over 185 countries, encouraging people to reflect on their environmental impact. It serves as a powerful reminder that even simple actions can contribute to a sustainable future.
As Loyzaga said, “We broke this world. We must fix it. The time to act is now.” With Earth Hour approaching, it’s a perfect moment for everyone to consider how their individual choices can lead to collective change.
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