Youth groups launch 'Climate Shorts'

ENVIRONMENTAL youth groups in Negros Occidental led by Youth for Climate Hope have launched a program geared towards raising consciousness and public action on the effects of climate change.

Dubbed "Climate Shorts," the program launched last week is composed of various activities like short talks, short films and short performances, among others.

Also forming part of the activities is the commemoration of the World Environment Day at the Provincial Capitol's Social Hall in Bacolod City on Thursday, June 6.

Themed "Beat Air Pollution," the celebration is a means of calling on today's generation to be mindful of their everyday actions and to explore renewable energy.

Considered as the receiving end of the climate breakdown, this generation is also urged to adhere and strengthen the implementation of Republic Act 8749 or the Clean Air Act especially in the local level.

Provincial Environment Management Officer Wilfred Ramon Peñalosa, who opened the event, reminded participants that "we are never alone in this fight against climate change."

Peñalosa urged the public that after everything that they will be hearing and watching in the program, a decision should be made for climate action.

"But in order to walk far and attain bigger results, one should do it with friends," he added.

Environmental youth groups, in a statement, said a better way to catch the attention of the young audience is through their emotions, "hugots," and the skills they are good at.

"Climate Shorts" had it all for them, they added.

During the launching, short films depicting the stories of humanity, nature, the people's bittersweet relationship with pollution, and the betrayal that they undeniably do to the environment were shown.

Songs about climate change and a narrative performed by the Kanlaon Theater Group also brought encouragement and served as an eye-opener for the participants.

During the short talks, meanwhile, participating-youth were urged to drive for both "less scary tactics and activism" to voice out their stand for the environment.

Franz Anthony Alejano, of the Association of Young Environmental Journalists, highlighted in his talk the stories of positive change and stories of hope which social media can serve as the best platform to reach out to people.

Krishna Ariola, executive director of Linghod, spoke about youth activism and myths that the word brings by telling the audience that, indeed, the results of such act is positive.

Ariola acknowledged the volunteers for keeping the environmental groups running and striving with their passion to fight against climate change and love for the environment.

Moreover, Negrense environmental youth groups said they continue to look up to the leaders that inspire them to fight for their advocacies.

Hearing from the participants' reactions, the activity has been an effective platform to reach out to the public especially to the youth, the groups said.

"It opened their hearts and minds to the truth that numbers from statistics are equal to human experiences and every breath is a reminder for us of what we should protect --- our common home," they added.*

Contributed Photo: Provincial Environment Management Officer Wilfred Ramon Peñalosa (seventh from right) with Negrense environmental youth groups during the launching of "Climate Shorts" program which coincided at the commemoration of the World Environment Day at the Provincial Capitol's Social Hall in Bacolod City on Thursday.

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