PAG-ASA Cites Implications of Climate Change

by JHANA JUNE TEJOME 

Last March 3 in a forum sponsored by the Citizen’s Disaster Response Center (CDRC), PAG-ASA–DOST discussed the implications of climate change in relation to agricultural production. PNFSP staff joined in to take a closer look at related concerns on food security.

Climate monitoring and information officer of PAG-ASA- DOST, Daisy Ortega, explained that based on observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, there is a spread melting of snow and ice, and rising global mean sea level. Historical records show that 11 of the last 12 years, from 1995 to 2006, rank among the 12 warmest years since 1850.

Ms. Ortega stressed that the Philippines as archipelagic in character has high risks and vulnerability to climate change impacts. Some reports of other line agencies show experiences of decline in rice productivity by as much as 10 to 40 percent yearly. Farmers have observed change in hot and rainy seasons, and around 20 - 21 typhoons that struck the country every year. They have not been equipped to respond to disturbing weather changes. Farmers have yet to gain the skills in the appropriate technology to cope with adverse impacts of disasters in agriculture.

Ms. Ortega then ended her talk on how people can contribute in decreasing the effects of climate change. An important one is to save on electricity and gasoline since these are produced by fossil fuels. Large quantities of plastic bags cluttered and when burned adds up to land and air pollution. All groups especially non-government agencies are urged to help in the information drive and in mitigating effects of climate change.

For PNFSP, it is important to advocate for policies in the local, national and international level which will protect and save the environment from more harmful situation. As a network primarily concerned on food security, continuous research and development of necessary appropriate technologies in agriculture in communities will serve as pilot models to find pro-active solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture.