In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, ABS-CBN – Bantay Kalikasan held a webinar for Bantay Kalikasan (BK) communities entitled “Klima, Kinabukasan at Komunidad: Climate action ngayon!” Dr. Rodel D. Lasco, executive director of the OML Center, was the keynote speaker.

The webinar, held in Filipino, was meant to be an introductory session that establishes the basic climate change concepts and how it relates to the lives and livelihoods of BK community members. It was also an opportunity to impart correct and relevant information on climate change, and encourage climate action initiatives. Jen Deomano Santos, program director of Bantay Kalikasan, served as host and moderator. 

In his presentation, Dr. Lasco opened with a warning from the world scientists’ on climate change and that the Philippines ranked as one of the most affected by extreme weather events. He emphasized the effect of greenhouse gases (GHG) on global warming: “Ang greenhouse gases ay parang kumot, habang nagdadagdag tayo ng nagdadagdag, lalo nating nararamdaman ang pag-init.” (Greenhouse gases are like blankets. As we add more and more layers, we feel the warming grow.”

He also explained the projected risks and impacts of rising temperature on different sectors, as well as the differences between carbon sinks, carbon stocks and carbon sequestration, among others. Dr. Lasco ended his presentation by encouraging BK community members to reduce their consumption of fuel, paper, water and food, to restore and maintain forests, and to actively build their climate resilience. 

Approximately 70 participants, including women, fisherfolks, farmers, and eco-tourism workers from BK communities, forest workers in La Mesa Watershed, and park personnel from La Mesa Ecopark, joined the webinar.

More information on Bantay Kalikasan is available on the ABS-CBN website and the ABS-CBN Foundation Facebook page.

For more information on Philippine climate change and its impacts, visit the Philippine Climate Change Assessment Reports page.