Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Weathering Heights

Image credit: visitpinas.com

Personally I enjoy our weather these days. The sun is there, but it neither scorches your skin nor makes you sweat. I especially love the cool breeze while walking around the UP Campus (not to mention come nightfall). I almost wished that it will always be like this the whole year round, instead of the hot and humid equatorial climate we normally experience.

But when I arrived at our dorm, reality came back too soon. I was struck by the news I just caught on TV: the Philippines come summertime will be rainy. That's odd, I thought. Then, a barrage of force majeure went on: Nonstop precipitation pour in the Caraga region. Flash floods have displaced already 2M in Mindanao--and left four dead so far. The thing is, those torrential rains have shown no sign of abating. Strange weather indeed.

How can we solve this? I believe technology, including ICT, must play a big role. Satellites and high-powered sensors must be able to predict the behavior of environmental phenomena like rains and typhoons. Weather management bureaus around the world must do constant surveillance and correspondence. Our PAGASA personnel must be trained and equipped with the capability to deal with the demands of the apparently uncontrollable changing climate. In short, environmental protection must be a top priority of the government. The nation's coffers will not go to waste if it means saving people's lives and property (rather than going to 'pabaons' for military top brass).


Image credit: inquirer.net

My momentary enjoyment of Manila weather was dampened by a concern for our countrymen suffering such unforgiving forces of nature. The height of this challenge--the bane of climate change--can only be overcome by mustering enough political will and a critical mass of support from everyone, combined with what technology can offer. Come to realize, natural calamities now pose a potent threat to our country's health and survival. Act now we must.

Richmund C. Sta. Lucia, Post #11


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