‘We must vote for politicians that support climate change advocacy and enforce policies that will hold polluters accountable and sustainable development achievable’
Dear 20-somethings,
As we near the end of 2020, we have experienced how climate change is like: more intense and frequent typhoons, floods, wildfires, droughts, heatwaves, and diseases that have impacted the oceans, animals, and people.
On top of this, the current COVID-19 pandemic has greatly exacerbated the vulnerabilities of our institutions and communities. Unfortunately, it is almost certain that the situation will get worse because of climate change’s impact.
It also does not help that, as 20-somethings, we have yet to understand who we are, to find a path that we want. Some would say that we are still navigating through life, learning the ropes of adulthood, and working for a future we want.
Therefore, it is understandable that we may feel confused, and perhaps even despair, about the situation we are in. At times, it is difficult to know where to start as we face multiple crises at once. It also seems like time is not on our side.
The Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change has given us until 2030 to lessen the world’s carbon emissions by 45%, to keep the global average temperature increase below 1.5 degrees Celsius. If we do nothing, this seemingly little change in global temperature will lead to catastrophic events such as increased sea-level rise, unprecedented temperature increases, extreme weather events, and overwarming of oceans.Â
Read the full OPEN LETTER by Janssen Calvelo, a member of GREENducation Philippines and Climate Reality Philippines.
