Reduce global warming now or we perish

THE future is not somewhere we are going. It is something we are creating. Every day we do things that make some futures more probable and others less likely.

Reducing carbon and greenhouse gas emissions will not only make one’s lifestyle more sustainable, but also save money. Even if one remains a cynic and disagrees with the consensus of scientists, he/she will benefit from reduced pollution, a more healthful lifestyle, and increased savings. This article outlines some ways that an individual or even a small family business can do to help prevent the Earth from warming further. While humankind has the ability to destroy the planet, we can also help protect and sustain it.

Global warming is occurring more rapidly than it was originally expected to -- only forty years ago, the big worry was global cooling. Global warming already disrupts millions of lives daily in the forms of destructive weather patterns and loss of habitat. As I write this article, the entire National Capital Region is inundated with floods with most parts in Quezon City, Manila, Caloocan, Marikina, Cainta and Muntinlupa experiencing neck deep waters. The national government has declared suspension on all school levels and the private sector has sent notices to employees suspending office operations. Some parts of Metro Manila are now under a Red Level classification meaning there is clear and present danger and local officials will now employ forced evacuation of residents in their respective barangays.

The significant and abnormal weather patterns predictably starts every June and lasts until December bringing close to 22 tyhoons and the destruction and confusion including the senseless lives lost are immeasureable. We are regularly seeing a repeat of the destructive “Ondoy” phenomenon almost every year.

What is already happening is only the tip of the melting iceberg -- it is our children and grandchildren who may suffer most from the effects of global warming. Hundreds of millions