OTHER RISKS
Climate change is likely to contribute to the trend of urbanisation. Heat waves are forecast to become more frequent in hotter climes, which may turn what was fertile farmland into dustbowls, leaving rural communities with little choice but to head to already-crowded cities.
This migration will be as likely to be across national borders as within them, creating further risks to businesses, says Lloyd’s 360 Risk Insight report Climate Change and Security.
If swathes of farmland in Mexico become arid due to global warming, the displaced people may be more likely to look to cross the border into the US than to move to the teeming barrios of Mexico City. This would likely trigger rising social, political and security tensions both within and between the two nations, the report says.
The growth of sprawling mega-cities creates other risks. Large migrant populations living in slums with poor sanitation and inadequate healthcare mean the threat of outbreaks of disease and pandemics may rise and be more difficult to contain.
Population growth and urbanisation are also set to increase pressure on supplies of food and fresh water at a time when climate change will make it harder to grow food crops in some regions. Already in 2008, riots flared in cities across the world when rice and corn supplies ran low as food production failed to keep pace with the world’s growing population.
All of these potential implications of urbanisation present challenges to businesses that may already operate in these cities, or look to do so in the future.
Urbanisation will present both threats and opportunities to international companies. Rural migration to cities will increase the pool of labour from which a business can choose. But social tensions between city dwellers and migrants for scarce resources and jobs could become an increasing problem, leading to political and religious extremism that could result in violence and terrorism.
The key for businesses will be to understand these demographic shifts so that they may be able to better plan a response to them should they occur. In the same way as insurers must plan for the worst no matter how remote that prospect is, it would make sense for corporates to formulate their business plans on the assumption that at least some of these situations may become reality. It is vital they develop robust risk management strategies for these situations as well as test them and update them regularly as the social landscape changes.
SOURCE
COMMENT:
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Growing urbanisation brings business risks
The growing drift of people into cities from rural areas has been a key factor in the increasing modernisation of developing countries. But although urbanisation is crucial to a nation’s economic growth and development, it also brings with it increasing risks to businesses.
Between 2007 and 2050, the world population is expected to grow by 2.5 billion, according to data from the United Nations’ Population Division. During that time, the number of people living in urban areas is forecast to increase by 3.1 billion.
Most of the expected population growth will be in conurbations in less developed regions. Asia is set to see its urban population grow by 1.8 billion, Africa by nearly 1 billion and Latin America and the Caribbean by 200 million.
“Population growth is therefore becoming largely an urban phenomenon concentrated in the developing world,” the United Nations said in a 2007 paper.
The issue will be particularly acute in China and India. Between 2007 and 2025, these two countries are predicted to account for over a third of the increase in the urban population.
Much of this growth will be in coastal cities, whose growing affluence and development act as a magnet to migrants. But the effects of climate change are set to put these cities at growing risk from natural disasters.
There is increasing scientific evidence that global warming will cause sea levels to rise and will bring more frequent and more severe natural disasters, such as hurricanes, typhoons and extreme rainstorms.
By 2070, India and China will have five of the ten cities most exposed to coastal flooding. Their rapid economic development coupled with urbanisation and climate change, will mean Guangzhou, Calcutta, Shanghai, Bombay and Tianjin will be among those cities most vulnerable, both in terms of the number of people exposed and the value of assets at risk, according to a 2007 report by the OECD and RMS.
In China, growing trade and commerce, often supported by government incentives, are still attracting people to the coast. Between 1995 and 2000, around 17 million people moved to the coastal provinces of China, many of which are in low-lying regions at high risk from rising sea levels.
Other large Asian cities deemed by the OECD to be at high risk from flooding in the future include: Bangkok, Rangoon (Myanmar), Dhaka, Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong.
Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan and the Philippines are among the other countries expected to contribute strongly to growing urbanisation. All are prone to natural disasters.
SOURCE
COMMENT:
Between 2007 and 2050, the world population is expected to grow by 2.5 billion, according to data from the United Nations’ Population Division. During that time, the number of people living in urban areas is forecast to increase by 3.1 billion.
Most of the expected population growth will be in conurbations in less developed regions. Asia is set to see its urban population grow by 1.8 billion, Africa by nearly 1 billion and Latin America and the Caribbean by 200 million.
“Population growth is therefore becoming largely an urban phenomenon concentrated in the developing world,” the United Nations said in a 2007 paper.
The issue will be particularly acute in China and India. Between 2007 and 2025, these two countries are predicted to account for over a third of the increase in the urban population.
Much of this growth will be in coastal cities, whose growing affluence and development act as a magnet to migrants. But the effects of climate change are set to put these cities at growing risk from natural disasters.
There is increasing scientific evidence that global warming will cause sea levels to rise and will bring more frequent and more severe natural disasters, such as hurricanes, typhoons and extreme rainstorms.
By 2070, India and China will have five of the ten cities most exposed to coastal flooding. Their rapid economic development coupled with urbanisation and climate change, will mean Guangzhou, Calcutta, Shanghai, Bombay and Tianjin will be among those cities most vulnerable, both in terms of the number of people exposed and the value of assets at risk, according to a 2007 report by the OECD and RMS.
In China, growing trade and commerce, often supported by government incentives, are still attracting people to the coast. Between 1995 and 2000, around 17 million people moved to the coastal provinces of China, many of which are in low-lying regions at high risk from rising sea levels.
Other large Asian cities deemed by the OECD to be at high risk from flooding in the future include: Bangkok, Rangoon (Myanmar), Dhaka, Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong.
Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan and the Philippines are among the other countries expected to contribute strongly to growing urbanisation. All are prone to natural disasters.
SOURCE
COMMENT:
Monday, January 25, 2010
Enter Generation G: Living good and green
By Isabel Berenguer Asuncion
Philippine Daily Inquirer
THE YEARNING FOR WELLNESS, the threat of global warming and climate change, and the longing for a better quality of life has created a new mindset. From the predominantly adrenaline-fueled, ladder-climbing and rat-racing member of the past and present generations evolve the change-purveying members of Generation G.
Members of Generation G are passionate and empowered, and are willing to give, share, collaborate and be generous in order to help build a community with the shared principles of sustaining the Self and others while caring for Mother Earth. Generation G wants to bring about changes for the greater good. They consume less, preserve more, live well, live good. These are the guiding statements of Generation G.
And so what is Generation G’s environment like? What is their lifestyle? What kind of spaces does someone from Generation G move through?
Generation G lives simply and uniquely. A Gen G space will probably look unlike the typical Filipino home because this generation is independent from the pressures of conformity, to what is trendy or “in,” or what is talked about. It will also likely have many handcrafted indigenous decorative items many would have forgotten to appreciate.
Generation G is not into the habit of bringing things halfway across the world—too big of a carbon footprint. Gen G buys Filipino. Local furniture have excellent designs and are of international quality. Think Budji and Cobonpue. There are also many local woven fabric or fibers that are woven into beautiful material: abaca, tinalak or abel iloko can be made into carpets, beddings, pillow cases and even curtains. Check out shops like Narda’s, HM Fabric and Sou Mak.
Generation G thinks of durability as a long-term sustainable solution. Gen G does not mind using preowned items. Restyle, refinish, reupholster and repair. Most of the cost to upgrading old items goes to local labor.
Gen G’ers get the TV out of the bedroom. Bedrooms are for rest and regeneration and should provide a calm and relaxing environment to support hectic days. TV hampers creativity and on the long term, destroys the ability to focus. One TV per home is more than enough.
Generation G knows that OFF is the new ON. They pull the plugs on appliances that are not in use as they still consume (phantom) power loads. They use timers to minimize the use of lighting and appliances. Unplugged never sounded so good.
Because Generation G is into the habit of reaching out, it likes open spaces that reach out and harnessing light and air just as it would reach out and harness the kindness of humanity. The simplest way to lessen the carbon footprint is to open the windows and let the light in. This little habit of opening up spaces not only lessens your need for artificial light but is great for your well-being. Sunlight helps regulate the body clock, it kills out mold and mildew which are the primary cause of allergies at home. Watch your spaces as light—with all its shades and shadows—beautifully transforms its character throughout the cycles of the day.
Generation G has a comfortable, well-equipped kitchen. Slow food is the better food and nothing beats engaging in the process of making home-cooked meals. A well-designed kitchen is not only efficient, it makes the whole process of nourishing yourself more enjoyable.
Generation G goes low-flow and dual-flush. Toilet fixture choices are made easy by the many options for bathroom fixtures, with many inexpensive ones coming from China. No budget to change your fixture? Then at least get an aerator for your faucet and reduce tap water consumption. Dexterton’s “Neo-Pearl” does the job.
Generation G can be from any age group or social level. Gen G was not born in a specific period of time, but rather evolved with a consciousness that supports, promotes and practices positive changes to create a more humane society and a better place to live in. From my point of view, design, and any living space for that matter, can only be good when it supports the values of humanity.
SOURCE
COMMENT:
I can definitely say that I am a Generation G member! I hope the Filipino youth would become members as well.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
THE YEARNING FOR WELLNESS, the threat of global warming and climate change, and the longing for a better quality of life has created a new mindset. From the predominantly adrenaline-fueled, ladder-climbing and rat-racing member of the past and present generations evolve the change-purveying members of Generation G.
Members of Generation G are passionate and empowered, and are willing to give, share, collaborate and be generous in order to help build a community with the shared principles of sustaining the Self and others while caring for Mother Earth. Generation G wants to bring about changes for the greater good. They consume less, preserve more, live well, live good. These are the guiding statements of Generation G.
And so what is Generation G’s environment like? What is their lifestyle? What kind of spaces does someone from Generation G move through?
Generation G lives simply and uniquely. A Gen G space will probably look unlike the typical Filipino home because this generation is independent from the pressures of conformity, to what is trendy or “in,” or what is talked about. It will also likely have many handcrafted indigenous decorative items many would have forgotten to appreciate.
Generation G is not into the habit of bringing things halfway across the world—too big of a carbon footprint. Gen G buys Filipino. Local furniture have excellent designs and are of international quality. Think Budji and Cobonpue. There are also many local woven fabric or fibers that are woven into beautiful material: abaca, tinalak or abel iloko can be made into carpets, beddings, pillow cases and even curtains. Check out shops like Narda’s, HM Fabric and Sou Mak.
Generation G thinks of durability as a long-term sustainable solution. Gen G does not mind using preowned items. Restyle, refinish, reupholster and repair. Most of the cost to upgrading old items goes to local labor.
Gen G’ers get the TV out of the bedroom. Bedrooms are for rest and regeneration and should provide a calm and relaxing environment to support hectic days. TV hampers creativity and on the long term, destroys the ability to focus. One TV per home is more than enough.
Generation G knows that OFF is the new ON. They pull the plugs on appliances that are not in use as they still consume (phantom) power loads. They use timers to minimize the use of lighting and appliances. Unplugged never sounded so good.
Because Generation G is into the habit of reaching out, it likes open spaces that reach out and harnessing light and air just as it would reach out and harness the kindness of humanity. The simplest way to lessen the carbon footprint is to open the windows and let the light in. This little habit of opening up spaces not only lessens your need for artificial light but is great for your well-being. Sunlight helps regulate the body clock, it kills out mold and mildew which are the primary cause of allergies at home. Watch your spaces as light—with all its shades and shadows—beautifully transforms its character throughout the cycles of the day.
Generation G has a comfortable, well-equipped kitchen. Slow food is the better food and nothing beats engaging in the process of making home-cooked meals. A well-designed kitchen is not only efficient, it makes the whole process of nourishing yourself more enjoyable.
Generation G goes low-flow and dual-flush. Toilet fixture choices are made easy by the many options for bathroom fixtures, with many inexpensive ones coming from China. No budget to change your fixture? Then at least get an aerator for your faucet and reduce tap water consumption. Dexterton’s “Neo-Pearl” does the job.
Generation G can be from any age group or social level. Gen G was not born in a specific period of time, but rather evolved with a consciousness that supports, promotes and practices positive changes to create a more humane society and a better place to live in. From my point of view, design, and any living space for that matter, can only be good when it supports the values of humanity.
SOURCE
COMMENT:
I can definitely say that I am a Generation G member! I hope the Filipino youth would become members as well.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Global warming, forecasts and resolutions (continued...)
The resolution
Forty percent of greenhouse gases that directly affect global warming are caused by generating electricity from conventional sources. By merely using less energy, we are already positioning ourselves to become a part of the long-term solution rather than contributors to the problem.
For example, air-conditioning consumes the most power in an office or household. If we can manage it, it is ideal and healthier not to use air-conditioning at all. In the instances we cannot, we could just set the thermostat to a comfortable level of 25º and not too low. In most cases, the air-conditioning units are overworked to compensate for poor room insulation, air leaks and unprotected building surfaces directly exposed to the sun. Effective planning and construction techniques, through installation of eaves and awnings or the application of heat-reflective paint to walls and glass, can all be done to correct the situation.
There are appliances that are more energy-efficient and must be preferred above others. Older appliances may already be faulty and could prove more cost-efficient if replaced.
Natural lighting is best, but when artificial lighting is required, we should choose energy-efficient bulbs. In addition, the location of lighting fixtures and the color and finishes of a room add to lighting efficiency.
Planting more trees and vegetation in and around our buildings will help cool the environment. Communities must respect and maintain open spaces to promote natural air flow. A lot of these concepts have already been studied and put down in building codes; the least we can do is to adhere to them. We would do well to not overbuild communities. There are studies that show that too many concrete surfaces incubate and discharge toxic gases.
As a rule, we must exercise proper waste management by recycling, minimizing trash and sorting garbage. Our homes must have the facilities to do so. The less dumpsites we fill and the less incineration we require, the less we contribute to global warming.
Be mindful of the kind of cars you drive. You may want to trade your SUV for something that produces less carbon emissions. Better yet, walk or bike more.
These choices may seem small but a concentrated effort by an aware community is like a seed that eventually grows into something positive, productive and communicable. This is the best resolution we can make as a global community. Everyone must be involved in the effort to save our lives!
SOURCE
COMMENT:
"A concentrated effort by an aware community is like a seed that eventually grows into something positive, productive and communicable." -- This is absolutely true. It is like a small candle, when lighted, can light and brighten up an entire room.
Forty percent of greenhouse gases that directly affect global warming are caused by generating electricity from conventional sources. By merely using less energy, we are already positioning ourselves to become a part of the long-term solution rather than contributors to the problem.
For example, air-conditioning consumes the most power in an office or household. If we can manage it, it is ideal and healthier not to use air-conditioning at all. In the instances we cannot, we could just set the thermostat to a comfortable level of 25º and not too low. In most cases, the air-conditioning units are overworked to compensate for poor room insulation, air leaks and unprotected building surfaces directly exposed to the sun. Effective planning and construction techniques, through installation of eaves and awnings or the application of heat-reflective paint to walls and glass, can all be done to correct the situation.
There are appliances that are more energy-efficient and must be preferred above others. Older appliances may already be faulty and could prove more cost-efficient if replaced.
Natural lighting is best, but when artificial lighting is required, we should choose energy-efficient bulbs. In addition, the location of lighting fixtures and the color and finishes of a room add to lighting efficiency.
Planting more trees and vegetation in and around our buildings will help cool the environment. Communities must respect and maintain open spaces to promote natural air flow. A lot of these concepts have already been studied and put down in building codes; the least we can do is to adhere to them. We would do well to not overbuild communities. There are studies that show that too many concrete surfaces incubate and discharge toxic gases.
As a rule, we must exercise proper waste management by recycling, minimizing trash and sorting garbage. Our homes must have the facilities to do so. The less dumpsites we fill and the less incineration we require, the less we contribute to global warming.
Be mindful of the kind of cars you drive. You may want to trade your SUV for something that produces less carbon emissions. Better yet, walk or bike more.
These choices may seem small but a concentrated effort by an aware community is like a seed that eventually grows into something positive, productive and communicable. This is the best resolution we can make as a global community. Everyone must be involved in the effort to save our lives!
SOURCE
COMMENT:
"A concentrated effort by an aware community is like a seed that eventually grows into something positive, productive and communicable." -- This is absolutely true. It is like a small candle, when lighted, can light and brighten up an entire room.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Global warming, forecasts and resolutions
By Marcos de Guzman Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
THE START of the year always brings about a spate of forecast- and resolution-making. At the forefront of the world issues today is the phenomenon called Global Warming.
Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s surface and oceans, most felt onward from the mid-20th century and seen to have increased aggressively since then. Global surface temperature has already risen by 0.8 percent since the start of the 20th century: but what of it; what’s the big deal? We have temperature changes in Manila that range from 38º down to 24º or the reverse and all we had to do was wear a sweater or shorts.
The forecast
But globally speaking, this translates into something major. Even a one percent change in the planet’s average temperature affects the weather conditions of the whole world, giving rise to the kind of catastrophic disturbances like “Katrina” and “Ondoy,” not to mention the gargantuan tsunamis, all of which may become common occurrences in the future.
A 2-percent temperature change may cause the arctic ice to melt, which will cause avalanches, flooding, erosion and even more deforestation. This will increase the rate of global warming to unprecedented proportions and, at the tipping point, could be irreversible. Beyond that, the temperature rise will intensify, ultimately bringing about the certain death of life on our planet.
Most of the observed temperature increases were the result of escalating concentrations of greenhouse gases, which in turn are caused by human activities like the burning of fossil fuel and deforestation.
World leaders are beginning to map out their courses of action to curb this impending disaster. But how about the simple folk, the homeowner, the builder—are we merely to sit down and wait for their directives? Is there anything we can do now on our own?
SOURCE
COMMENT:
There IS something, each of us can do on OUR OWN. People need to wake up and contribute to the solution, and STOP being part of the problem. There IS something each of us can do. Let's do something, for our children, and their children in generations to come.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
THE START of the year always brings about a spate of forecast- and resolution-making. At the forefront of the world issues today is the phenomenon called Global Warming.
Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s surface and oceans, most felt onward from the mid-20th century and seen to have increased aggressively since then. Global surface temperature has already risen by 0.8 percent since the start of the 20th century: but what of it; what’s the big deal? We have temperature changes in Manila that range from 38º down to 24º or the reverse and all we had to do was wear a sweater or shorts.
The forecast
But globally speaking, this translates into something major. Even a one percent change in the planet’s average temperature affects the weather conditions of the whole world, giving rise to the kind of catastrophic disturbances like “Katrina” and “Ondoy,” not to mention the gargantuan tsunamis, all of which may become common occurrences in the future.
A 2-percent temperature change may cause the arctic ice to melt, which will cause avalanches, flooding, erosion and even more deforestation. This will increase the rate of global warming to unprecedented proportions and, at the tipping point, could be irreversible. Beyond that, the temperature rise will intensify, ultimately bringing about the certain death of life on our planet.
Most of the observed temperature increases were the result of escalating concentrations of greenhouse gases, which in turn are caused by human activities like the burning of fossil fuel and deforestation.
World leaders are beginning to map out their courses of action to curb this impending disaster. But how about the simple folk, the homeowner, the builder—are we merely to sit down and wait for their directives? Is there anything we can do now on our own?
SOURCE
COMMENT:
There IS something, each of us can do on OUR OWN. People need to wake up and contribute to the solution, and STOP being part of the problem. There IS something each of us can do. Let's do something, for our children, and their children in generations to come.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Carbon tax wrong way to tackle climate—exec
Agence France-Presse
BRUSSELS—Incoming European Union trade chief Karel De Gucht on Tuesday ruled out pursuing French-led calls to impose a carbon tax at the EU's borders, warning that such ideas risk triggering trade wars.
"In terms of border adjustments, I'm against it," De Gucht told lawmakers in response to a question during a European parliamentary confirmation hearing in Brussels.
"I don't see that as the right approach—it's one that will lead to lots of practical problems. We've seen it in the past. The big risk is that it will also lead to an escalating trade war on a global level,” he said.
"It is clear that we need to take account in our trade policy of what is happening in terms of preserving our environment and climate. But I think we have to take other approaches, (and find) strong policies which are in tune with market laws," he stressed.
France and Germany in September called for the United Nations to support a carbon tax on imports from countries who failed to back international efforts to fight global warming.
However, a UN climate change conference held in Copenhagen in December ended with a non-binding agreement that did not address the issue and that Brussels said was a Chinese-US stitch-up which will do little to curtail global warming.
The French government decided last week that a new national carbon tax to fight global warming will go into force in July, a week after the constitutional court struck down a previous version of the measure.
SOURCE
COMMENT:
Carbon tax on imports from countries who failed to back international efforts to fight global warming--I think the implementation of CARBON TAXES is one of the best ways to control emissions from industrial countries. They SHOULD implement them since they are the main contributors of pollution around the world.
It should be implemented in developing countries as well, especially China, since many factories are located there.
But it's implementation should be studied well, to avoid conflicts between nations especially in trade.
BRUSSELS—Incoming European Union trade chief Karel De Gucht on Tuesday ruled out pursuing French-led calls to impose a carbon tax at the EU's borders, warning that such ideas risk triggering trade wars.
"In terms of border adjustments, I'm against it," De Gucht told lawmakers in response to a question during a European parliamentary confirmation hearing in Brussels.
"I don't see that as the right approach—it's one that will lead to lots of practical problems. We've seen it in the past. The big risk is that it will also lead to an escalating trade war on a global level,” he said.
"It is clear that we need to take account in our trade policy of what is happening in terms of preserving our environment and climate. But I think we have to take other approaches, (and find) strong policies which are in tune with market laws," he stressed.
France and Germany in September called for the United Nations to support a carbon tax on imports from countries who failed to back international efforts to fight global warming.
However, a UN climate change conference held in Copenhagen in December ended with a non-binding agreement that did not address the issue and that Brussels said was a Chinese-US stitch-up which will do little to curtail global warming.
The French government decided last week that a new national carbon tax to fight global warming will go into force in July, a week after the constitutional court struck down a previous version of the measure.
SOURCE
COMMENT:
Carbon tax on imports from countries who failed to back international efforts to fight global warming--I think the implementation of CARBON TAXES is one of the best ways to control emissions from industrial countries. They SHOULD implement them since they are the main contributors of pollution around the world.
It should be implemented in developing countries as well, especially China, since many factories are located there.
But it's implementation should be studied well, to avoid conflicts between nations especially in trade.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Cagayan prepares early for El Niño onslaught (continued..)
In Baguio City, weather experts urged mountain hikers not to throw cigarette butts to avoid forest fires this summer.
Forest fires
Danilo Galate, senior weather specialist of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), asked hikers and residents to be more careful in dealing with fire, specifically in watershed areas such as Mt. Sto. Tomas.
PAGASA records showed that from November to December, Baguio and Benguet registered zero rainfall.
However, climate change has caused extreme changes in weather patterns in the highlands, Galate said.
While communities tap local scientists and researchers to help educate people about the impact of climate change, the government will upgrade facilities in weather forecasting, said Ryan Christopher Viado, science research specialist of the Philippine Council for Industry for Energy Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology.
Lack of knowledge
“Communities should apply the knowledge and information provided by their local scientists. [Many] are not aware of the concepts behind these technologies and research such as hazard mapping and [simple weather forecasting] gadgets,” he said.
He said people ignore gadgets like rain gauges because they do not know how to use them.
He said the government is promoting soil management and alternative fertilizers in farming areas and sustainable mangrove management in coastal areas to save crops and protect communities from storm surges.
Alternative energy sources like wind, solar, micro-hydro, ocean, biomass and landfill gas are being promoted to lessen the country’s dependence on fossil fuels that harm the environment, he said.
Viado said government scientists are also promoting crops that could withstand extreme rain or drought.
SOURCE
COMMENT:
The sad fact about what is happening right now is that people need to be constantly pushed and pushed, unless something tragic happens to them. And then that's the only time they realize how gave the situation is.
Forest fires
Danilo Galate, senior weather specialist of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), asked hikers and residents to be more careful in dealing with fire, specifically in watershed areas such as Mt. Sto. Tomas.
PAGASA records showed that from November to December, Baguio and Benguet registered zero rainfall.
However, climate change has caused extreme changes in weather patterns in the highlands, Galate said.
While communities tap local scientists and researchers to help educate people about the impact of climate change, the government will upgrade facilities in weather forecasting, said Ryan Christopher Viado, science research specialist of the Philippine Council for Industry for Energy Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology.
Lack of knowledge
“Communities should apply the knowledge and information provided by their local scientists. [Many] are not aware of the concepts behind these technologies and research such as hazard mapping and [simple weather forecasting] gadgets,” he said.
He said people ignore gadgets like rain gauges because they do not know how to use them.
He said the government is promoting soil management and alternative fertilizers in farming areas and sustainable mangrove management in coastal areas to save crops and protect communities from storm surges.
Alternative energy sources like wind, solar, micro-hydro, ocean, biomass and landfill gas are being promoted to lessen the country’s dependence on fossil fuels that harm the environment, he said.
Viado said government scientists are also promoting crops that could withstand extreme rain or drought.
SOURCE
COMMENT:
The sad fact about what is happening right now is that people need to be constantly pushed and pushed, unless something tragic happens to them. And then that's the only time they realize how gave the situation is.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Cagayan prepares early for El Niño onslaught
by: Villamor Visaya Jr. and Desiree Caluza, Inquirer Northern Luzon
Philippine Daily Inquirer
CAUAYAN CITY, Philippines—To prepare for a long, hot summer, irrigation and agriculture officials are conducting a series of cloud-seeding operations in Cagayan Valley starting this month to lessen the effects of drought.
Mariano Dancel, National Irrigation Administration-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (NIA-MRIIS) operations manager, said a seeding-capable plane would be used for the operations.
He said the NIA-MRIIS and the Department of Agriculture have been implementing contingency measures since September when weather experts noted signs of El Niño.
Water rationing
He said they have been rationing water from Magat Dam to irrigate farmlands in Isabela, Cagayan, Quirino and parts of Ifugao.
Water rationing has been set up for downstream canals during Mondays to Wednesdays and upstream canals during Thursdays to Sundays, Dacel said.
The scheme would ensure water flow to irrigation canals to sustain palay farms until June, when the effects of El Niño are expected to taper off, he said.
SOURCE
COMMENT:
El Niño is one of the most dreaded climatic phenomena here in the Philippines for it causes widespread hunger and malnutrition. I do hope the El Niño doesn't last long in Cagayan.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
CAUAYAN CITY, Philippines—To prepare for a long, hot summer, irrigation and agriculture officials are conducting a series of cloud-seeding operations in Cagayan Valley starting this month to lessen the effects of drought.
Mariano Dancel, National Irrigation Administration-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (NIA-MRIIS) operations manager, said a seeding-capable plane would be used for the operations.
He said the NIA-MRIIS and the Department of Agriculture have been implementing contingency measures since September when weather experts noted signs of El Niño.
Water rationing
He said they have been rationing water from Magat Dam to irrigate farmlands in Isabela, Cagayan, Quirino and parts of Ifugao.
Water rationing has been set up for downstream canals during Mondays to Wednesdays and upstream canals during Thursdays to Sundays, Dacel said.
The scheme would ensure water flow to irrigation canals to sustain palay farms until June, when the effects of El Niño are expected to taper off, he said.
SOURCE
COMMENT:
El Niño is one of the most dreaded climatic phenomena here in the Philippines for it causes widespread hunger and malnutrition. I do hope the El Niño doesn't last long in Cagayan.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
World Bank, Land Bank ink €2.437 carbon credit deal
By Anna Valmero
INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—The World Bank signed Thursday an agreement with Land Bank of the Philippines to purchase carbon credits for a project that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from landfills and livestock farms in the country.
The total value of the emission reduction purchase agreement (ERPA) is 2.437 million euro over a three-year period starting this year, with Land Bank as the project’s implementing body, said its president and chief executive Gilda E. Pico.
The project offers incentives for piggeries and landfill operators to adopt cleaner technologies that capture methane, which accounts for one-third of highly potent greenhouse gas emissions in the country, said World Bank country director Bert Hofman.
Piggeries and landfill operators will be encouraged to use methane as fuel to generate electricity that will substitute for grid electricity generation mainly supplied by power plants using fossil fuels, Hofman added.
The certified emission reductions (CERs) derived from these methane-reduction projects under the clean development mechanism (CDM) framework of the Kyoto Protocol will be purchased by the World Bank on behalf of the Spanish Carbon Fund to encourage investments in green technologies and business models that address climate change.
Under CDM, industrial countries finance projects for reducing carbon emissions in developing countries such as the Philippines and receive credits for doing so.
As the financial intermediary for the project, Landbank will establish subproject agreements with local government units, private piggeries, project developers and service providers to acquire CERs for subsequent sale to the World Bank, said Pico.
Hofman said the methane recovery project will have a "programmatic approach" in providing carbon finance, a departure from a conventional approach in which CDM projects are processed individually.
"Individual projects, while important, produce small volumes of emission reductions and benefit only a few players. The use of a programmatic approach allows multiple projects to be combined under one institution or intermediary, thus generating significant impact and benefiting more players including poor communities," Hofman explained.
"Initiatives like these not only mitigate climate change while contributing to sustainable development; they also help achieve cleaner air and a cleaner environment, thus improving the quality of life of many Filipinos," Hofman said.
The project will also assist the introduction of cleaner technologies to manage the 14 million tons of solid waste and 22 million tons of organic wastewater produced annually in the country.
SOURCE
COMMENT:
The clean development mechanism (CDM) framework of the Kyoto Protocol, encourages industrial countries finance projects for reducing carbon emissions in developing countries such as the Philippines and receive credits for doing so. This is one of the most brilliant solutions I've heard. I hope many of the owners of piggeries and agricultural businesses receive this generous offer.
INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—The World Bank signed Thursday an agreement with Land Bank of the Philippines to purchase carbon credits for a project that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from landfills and livestock farms in the country.
The total value of the emission reduction purchase agreement (ERPA) is 2.437 million euro over a three-year period starting this year, with Land Bank as the project’s implementing body, said its president and chief executive Gilda E. Pico.
The project offers incentives for piggeries and landfill operators to adopt cleaner technologies that capture methane, which accounts for one-third of highly potent greenhouse gas emissions in the country, said World Bank country director Bert Hofman.
Piggeries and landfill operators will be encouraged to use methane as fuel to generate electricity that will substitute for grid electricity generation mainly supplied by power plants using fossil fuels, Hofman added.
The certified emission reductions (CERs) derived from these methane-reduction projects under the clean development mechanism (CDM) framework of the Kyoto Protocol will be purchased by the World Bank on behalf of the Spanish Carbon Fund to encourage investments in green technologies and business models that address climate change.
Under CDM, industrial countries finance projects for reducing carbon emissions in developing countries such as the Philippines and receive credits for doing so.
As the financial intermediary for the project, Landbank will establish subproject agreements with local government units, private piggeries, project developers and service providers to acquire CERs for subsequent sale to the World Bank, said Pico.
Hofman said the methane recovery project will have a "programmatic approach" in providing carbon finance, a departure from a conventional approach in which CDM projects are processed individually.
"Individual projects, while important, produce small volumes of emission reductions and benefit only a few players. The use of a programmatic approach allows multiple projects to be combined under one institution or intermediary, thus generating significant impact and benefiting more players including poor communities," Hofman explained.
"Initiatives like these not only mitigate climate change while contributing to sustainable development; they also help achieve cleaner air and a cleaner environment, thus improving the quality of life of many Filipinos," Hofman said.
The project will also assist the introduction of cleaner technologies to manage the 14 million tons of solid waste and 22 million tons of organic wastewater produced annually in the country.
SOURCE
COMMENT:
The clean development mechanism (CDM) framework of the Kyoto Protocol, encourages industrial countries finance projects for reducing carbon emissions in developing countries such as the Philippines and receive credits for doing so. This is one of the most brilliant solutions I've heard. I hope many of the owners of piggeries and agricultural businesses receive this generous offer.
Monday, January 18, 2010
More rapid response to global warming urged
By Pia Lee-Brago (The Philippine Star)
MANILA, Philippines - Changes in the atmosphere, the oceans and glaciers and ice caps now show unequivocally that the world is warming due to human activities, according to a report of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon cited the “scientific consensus regarding the quickening and threatening pace of human-induced climate change” and called for global response “to move much more rapidly as well, and with more determination.”
Ban said the study and expected follow-up IPCC reports “will be critical guides for the UN’s response to anthropogenic climate change,” and will support action by those concerned globally, nationally and locally.
The IPCC, which brings together the world’s leading climate scientists and experts, concluded that major advances in climate modeling and the collection and analysis of data now give scientists “very high confidence” — at least a nine out of 10 chance of being correct — in their understanding of how human activities are causing the world to warm.
The report also confirms that it is “very likely” that humanity’s emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and other greenhouse gases have caused most of the global temperature rise observed since the mid-20th century.
It added that it is likely that the effect of human activities since 1750 is five times greater than the effect of fluctuations in the sun’s output.
The report, based on a thorough review of the most up-to-date and peer-reviewed scientific literature available worldwide, said records from ice cores, going back 10,000 years, show a dramatic rise in greenhouse gases from the onset of the industrial era.
SOURCE
COMMENT:
ALL of us much WAKE UP now from our long and deep slumber. Climate change is happening more rapidly as each day passes. Slowly we are experiencing the devastating effects we have long feared, BUT we are still not doing enough. We must move much more rapidly and with more determination.
MANILA, Philippines - Changes in the atmosphere, the oceans and glaciers and ice caps now show unequivocally that the world is warming due to human activities, according to a report of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon cited the “scientific consensus regarding the quickening and threatening pace of human-induced climate change” and called for global response “to move much more rapidly as well, and with more determination.”
Ban said the study and expected follow-up IPCC reports “will be critical guides for the UN’s response to anthropogenic climate change,” and will support action by those concerned globally, nationally and locally.
The IPCC, which brings together the world’s leading climate scientists and experts, concluded that major advances in climate modeling and the collection and analysis of data now give scientists “very high confidence” — at least a nine out of 10 chance of being correct — in their understanding of how human activities are causing the world to warm.
The report also confirms that it is “very likely” that humanity’s emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and other greenhouse gases have caused most of the global temperature rise observed since the mid-20th century.
It added that it is likely that the effect of human activities since 1750 is five times greater than the effect of fluctuations in the sun’s output.
The report, based on a thorough review of the most up-to-date and peer-reviewed scientific literature available worldwide, said records from ice cores, going back 10,000 years, show a dramatic rise in greenhouse gases from the onset of the industrial era.
SOURCE
COMMENT:
ALL of us much WAKE UP now from our long and deep slumber. Climate change is happening more rapidly as each day passes. Slowly we are experiencing the devastating effects we have long feared, BUT we are still not doing enough. We must move much more rapidly and with more determination.
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