PRESIDENTAL Adviser on Global Warming and Climate Change Heherson Alvarez gave recognition Wednesday to Davao City’s efforts lowering carbon emission in the atmosphere.
Informed that the city recently joined the global cause dubbed "350 Movement," Alvarez revamped the importance of participation in lowering the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to 350 parts per million (ppm).
"Our country contributes so little to the carbon content in the atmosphere but efforts like this is always very much appreciated," Alvarez said during Club 888 media forum.
More than 400 environmentalists and participating government agencies in the city formed "350" last Friday and planted trees around a new sanitary landfill in New Carmen, Tugbok. It was led by the Task Force on Climate Change (TFCC) and Davao Climate Change Action Network.
Alvarez also urged the business sector in the country to lead in creating a low carbon community.
"(This can be done by) investing in environmental programs that could help reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere," said Alvarez, who is the vice chair of the Climate Change Commission issued by the administration.
Alvarez said results of the 15th Conference of Parties climate change summit of world leaders in Copenhagen, Denmark last December showed how "the world is now very much aware it is reaching its tipping point."
"No one can now deny we're approaching a so-called runaway climate change; we cannot escape science," Alvarez said.
Asked whether the world has a chance of reversing or adapting to climate change, he said "there is a glimmering hope."
"What I witnessed during the conference was for the first time in man's history, everyone was gathered with no differences, like it was almost like a town meeting. It was a meeting of nations who had a common understanding but the problem is it wasn't avoided that fingers were still pointed at each other on who had the most responsibility," Alvarez said.
"What we need is a common responsibility. In our country, that common responsibility won't materialize if the people do not realize they play a big part in it," he added.
Alvarez was in the city as speaker to a function at Ateneo de Davao University. He was joined by City Council committee on environment and natural resources chair Councilor Leo Avila. (JCZ)