Blogs
Paving a Way with Unity (by Marie Mitchelle Bayaborda and Clarice Canonizado)
The bilateral conference we had was quite an experience. It was quite nerve-wracking but at the same a very exciting experience. Our bilateral discussion was an eye opening experience for us to be able to see the differences and similarities that both Philippines and Taiwan are experiencing due to climate change. Learning about the drastic effects of climate change on the two coutures made us realize that climate change continues to be a struggle for people to be able to live without worrying about the next natural phenomena that will hit the nation and bring about destruction.
Climate change has brought about a change in weather patterns, typhoons with drastic increases in intensity and number as well as and increase in sea levels of both countries. It has also brought about an increase in the level of vulnerability of people and there have also been reports on more cases of people experiencing infectious diseases.
The effects brought upon by climate change are quite similar for both countries although it is in the way they respond to these changes which differ. Due to the different statuses and although close yet still far, geographical location of the Philippines from Taiwan caused these differences.
The difference in responses on climate change actually depends on the resources and financial factors that each country possess. We are all aware that Philippines is a third world country and so we are having a hard time to act immediately against the adverse effects of climate change. The country is not yet that equipped on certain technologies that could help in at least altering the effects of climate change. Admittedly, mitigation plans regarding the strong effects of climate change like typhoons, drought and many more are not that strong to protect people from these. However, we are not saying that Taiwan is having an easier time in addressing climate change unlike us. In fact, the whole word is grasping for solutions to slow down this drastic phenomenon. But of course, we must say that Taiwan is more ready in responding about climate change. Having a more stable financial resource than the Philippines, we would say that they are faster in responding to these effects.
These differences in addressing climate change shouldn’t divide us though. The two countries could actually help each other in addressing this issue together since we’re experiencing the same thing. One country could lend a hand to another who doesn’t have the sufficient resources to us and vice versa. This way, we would pave the path towards a win-win situation and at the same time address climate change one step at a time.
- Marie Mitchelle Bayaborda and Clarice Canonizado