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Youth of Today, Makers of Tomorrow (National Dialogue Results) by Mitchelle Bayaborda & Clarice Canonizado
“It’s time to stop this madness.” This is the line that Philippine negotiator, Yeb Saño, uttered during the United Nations Summit in Warsaw. Poland last 2013. Behind his words are nothing but a mountain of truths that we refuse to acknowledge. The fact that climate change is such a big issue not only for the country but for the entire world, we think that it’s time to finally address this crisis.
We do not think people truly realise that climate change is happening. If this is the case, does it make us ignorant or just plain selfish enough to not acknowledge it? Climate change is a crisis that affects all of us - whether directly or indirectly. Nevertheless, climate change is a phenomena caused by us only to be the very reason for our suffering. We make selfish decisions whether conscious or unconscious that all contribute to climate change therefore it’s time for us to start being aware and knowledgeable of the current situation of the planet.
In a school where students are greatly influenced by the alarming effects of climate change, we were not at all surprised with the results of the survey. It was evidently seen in the survey responses that our classmates are well-informed regarding climate change. But these responses don’t stop merely as responses. Our classmate were also very equipped with possible solutions that can help in, at least, being game changers in today’s age. The power of the youth against ecological issues is truly amazing. To think that we already have the potential to change our future is really essential because it means that we are willing to combat anything that can harm the whole of humanity. We were not surprised to see that our humanity can transcend on different levels. From suggesting concrete actions for the betterment of all to simply expressing compassion to all those who are affected by the evolving climate change.
The results of the National Dialogue survey are actually quite supplementary to the current position of the Philippines with regards to climate change. Last November 2013, the Philippines was hit by the typhoon Yolanda or most internationally known as typhoon Haiyan. Like the survey responses, the Philippines truly started to realise the effects of climate change thus is now aware of the different causes and effects of the crisis. Thusm in 2015, the Philippines became one of the countries that signed Climate Change Paris agreement - the country had truly started to recognise the gravity of the situation as well as, act upon it.
Since then more and more solutions are being developed and suggested concerning the alleviation of climate change. More and more Filipinos are doing all that they can, to the best of their abilities to live more sustainable. Solar farms are being built, wind farms are being developed and just last September, Ilocos Norte became the first province in the country to become coal-free.
Reading and assessing all the survey responses made us proud as youths of today. Why? Because young as we are, we are able to express our thoughts freely. Thoughts that can hopefully save our future from the horizon of fossil fuel smoke and oil infested oceans. Thoughts that could become the pioneers of technological advancements to aid green development in the upcoming future. Surveys like these shouldn’t limit us on just words on a computer screen. We should be able to throw ourselves out there, encourage others to be the best that they could be for Mother Earth and promote solutions that could penetrate the roots of climate change. HERE’S TO A BETTER, GREEN FUTURE!
- Mitchelle Bayaborda & Clarice Canonizado
