Blog Action Day 2009: Climate Change

- October 15, 2009

The recent onslaught of typhoons Ondoy (Ketsana) and Pepeng (Parma) became a wake-up call to the Filipinos especially those who were directly affected. The aftermath is clear evidence of the vast changes in our global environment. Although there are natural factors and processes that contribute to the world’s changing climate, we cannot dispel the fact that a lot of human activities have altered the atmosphere’s makeup particularly in terms of the greenhouse effect.

Global warming (and cooling) and climate change have a significant impact to the way we live life and to our environment. If we fail to act now, there will be further harm not only to our natural resources but also to our own being. Living in this world will be very different for our children and future generations if we ignore the very obvious signs that nature is already giving back to us the damage we have caused it.

It is never too late to make a difference. It is now more than ever that we need to take a revolution for the environment. We have been well educated with ways to care for the environment – even my son in preschool knows a thing or two. But what we need is ACTION.

A great platform from our May 2010 presidential aspirants should include means and policies that are geared towards environmental protection and sustainable development. Our government leaders should instigate the people to a positive social change that can save the future of the environment.

Sustainable design in the architecture and interior design field is not a new thing. There are even institutions that encourage and recognize the efforts of design professionals in finding sound design solutions to create a healthy and sustainable living environment.

As an interior designer, I strive to use sustainable materials, eco-friendly and energy efficient equipments and incorporate plants and trees in the projects I do. Perhaps other professions can also find ways where they can reduce the impact of their work to the ecology.

We never have to be someone with great power to do something. I am taking part of this Blog Action Day because I believe that if I want greater accountability from others then I would have to start being more accountable myself. To be able to make things better, we have to be good role models to engender response.