Moving Backwards
Dustin James Bayog | Perspective
The negligence of humanity to address the worsening global temperature is leading us to an uncertain future—nothing.
Over the years, talks about climate change have always been part of the table between national leaders where agreements were signed to show global support in eradicating the severe effects of climate change.
However, these actions would remain placebo if no actual changes are happening in the global aspect. After all, it is just a paper signed by these leaders.
The year 2023 is officially declared as the hottest year being recorded since the pre-industrial period. According to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, the global average temperature increased to 15.1°C between January and November this year, which is a 1.46°C increase, exceeding the prior hottest year in 2016. The unending emissions of greenhouse gasses, burning fossil fuels, and land conversion to commercial buildings remains the main culprit of global warming. This could be why Antarctica’s icebergs are on the brink of melting due to the exponential increase in global temperatures.
Developed countries like China and the United States are the two major contributors to carbon dioxide emissions that are primarily caused by burning coal in factories, transportation, and electricity. These big countries pose a huge influence but instead of pioneering the change, they are the ones who are dragging us down towards a world where no one has prepared us for.
In addition, these developed countries are not ultimately at the receiving end of the adverse effects of the climate crisis—but rather those in the underdeveloped and developing ones are becoming its catch basins, like the Philippines.
Undoubtedly, the Philippines remains one of the most vulnerable countries to the climate crisis—worsened by poor economic conditions and governance. Last year, we ranked first in the World Risk Index (WRI) 2022 being the most disaster-prone country with an index score of 46.86. Even if it is given that we are located in the typhoon belt and the Pacific Ring of Fire, this should not be an excuse as the damages it caused to the country are more severe compared to the previous years.
We experienced heavier rainfalls and landslides, hotter temperatures during summer, longer droughts, and significant sea level rises. These are pivotal factors to our workers in agriculture and fisheries, where their source of livelihood is highly dependent on weather conditions.
While urgency and a sense of empathy are imperative, we see nothing but band-aid solutions from those in power. And while the middle and ruling class glorify the ‘Filipino resiliency’ amidst disaster crisis, the people in or below the poverty line are putting their lives at stake to ensure there is food at the dining table.
According to the projections of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), by the year 2020-2050, most of the Philippine areas will get warmer, especially in summer. It could rise to 1.1 °C in 2020 and 2.2 °C in 2050 if left unaddressed. The rampant deforestation and illegal mining in our forest and mountain areas which protect us from severe flooding are vivid reasons why we are experiencing worse.
Perhaps, this might be humanity's karma. Because after all, we are all to blame.
Our irresponsible human actions contribute to the swelling condition of the world we live in. And it is our responsibility to the future generations to leave them a habitable land where their future can thrive.
Climate change is not just the talk of the town. It requires global action and individual contributions. To ensure that we will not live in a perished land where plants can not grow and animals cannot do their purpose, moving backward is not an option.
Dustin James Bayog is the Associate Editor of Pacesetter for A.Y. 2023–2024. He is a fourth-year journalism student from the College of Arts and Letters.
