Oscar M. Lopez Center Executive Director urged Far Eastern University (FEU) students to continue fighting for the planet when he guested at the “Hamon ng Klima, Hamon sa Sambayanan: Insights with Dr. Rodel Lasco” last August.

In his presentation to the FEU body, Dr. Lasco shared the findings of the latest IPCC report and provided insights on how these findings translate into real life.

During the ensuing open forum, FEU students showed much interest in climate action. On a student question regarding how the youth can have impact on holding companies and powerful individuals responsible for environmental and climate action, Dr. Lasco encouraged students not to lose hope. “We should support [the] grassroots level, but at the same time, if you have an opportunity, if you can lobby our Congress and Senate, they listen to the voice of their constituents,” he said. 

As for the big corporations, he explained, “A lot of them [have] shareholders. They have stockholders and consumers. If their consumers demand that they don’t sell this product–that they won’t buy them anymore–[corporations] listen, and I have seen them change. Don’t lose hope. You have more power than you realize as consumers and I think a lot of change has happened over the years.”

In response to another student asking how youth can break the echo chamber in climate change discussions, including the inequity in climate action, Dr. Lasco said, “Universities and younger generations like you are usually the catalysts for change. Kayo ‘yung nagsisimula ng mga pagbabago.”

He also added, “You are ready to go forward and advocate for the issues you care for and ituloy n’yo lang ‘yon. Huwag kayong umasang overnight ‘yung change. But on the benefit of hindsight, I have seen that change is possible.”

In concluding his talk, Dr. Lasco asked FEU students to: “think about the big issues of life, what really matters in life, and concentrate on those.” 

The recording of FEU’s “Hamon ng Klima, Hamon sa Sambayanan: Insights with Dr. Rodel Lasco” is available for viewing on the FEU Facebook Page.