TFA APAC Summit: Climate x Education

It has been ten years since I became part of the inaugural cohort of Teach for the Philippines. It was one of the most difficult jobs ever because we attempted to provide quality education while trying to deal with bureaucracy, lack of resources, and poverty in its different forms. Unsurprisingly, similar problems were also faced by the alumni of the Teach for All Network in Asia-Pacific whom I got to meet and interact with during the Alumni Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

It was exhilarating to be among passionate leaders in the field of education. Though some of us are no longer directly involved in education, like myself, the commitment towards nation-building and education equity is still there.

The summit mainly revolved around the theme of “The Future of Learning in a Rapidly Changing World.” Technological disruption is one challenge emphasized but I managed to put a spotlight on the climate crisis, a defining issue of our time. I spoke about how teachers and educators can take action through climate education. Teachers are in a good position to raise awareness about the cause of climate change (that is the increase of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities), and its impacts (rising sea levels, extreme temperatures, strong typhoons, droughts, among others).

Climate change definitely affects the education sector particularly students and children. Classes are usually disrupted and schools are turned into evacuation centers during the occurrence of typhoons in the Philippines. An average of 20 typhoons hit the country each year. No wonder the Philippines was ranked first among countries with the highest disaster risk worldwide in 2022. Children in the Philippines are at extremely high risk from the impacts of the climate crisis, according to UNICEF. The youth are also experiencing climate anxiety with 92% of Filipino youth believing the future is frightening.

Despite this doom and gloom outlook, teachers can put forward a message of hope. That collectively, we could address the climate crisis and work towards a resilient and regenerative future. There are a lot of things to be done but the presence of these education leaders during the summit is a good indication and is an assurance that together, we can shape the future we want.

Photo Credit: Akansha Shrivastava

Musings on Whatever: A Year of Climate Work

In 2020, I was one of the recipients of the British Government-funded Chevening Scholarship and I decided to pursue MSc Climate Change and International Development at the University of East Anglia in Norwich. I wanted to have a sort of specialization considering that as an environmentalist, I was supposed to be a “jack of all trades and master of none.” But besides that, the climate crisis is very relevant to a climate-vulnerable country like the Philippines. A few weeks ago, I was in Eastern Samar documenting the impacts of climate change to this province frequented by heavy rains and strong typhoons. Around this time of the year, Super Typhoons have hit the country in the past. Now, widespread flooding is being experienced in the Southern Philippines.

Climate change has become a buzzword. Everybody seems to talk about it. Politicians agree that it is a priority. But all these talk do not necessarily translate into action. Yes, it is a global problem and it would require global cooperation for it to be solved. The creation of a Loss and Damage Fund during COP27 is a welcome development. Yet in the grand scheme of things, this is but a drop in the ocean. Realistically, drastic system changes would have to take place and how exactly can you topple down a capitalistic society where everything is built upon? Time and again, I’d say, “Do what you can, in whatever capacity you have, wherever you are.”

Upon my return from the UK this year, I became involved in various climate work which is great. For Oscar M. Lopez Center for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management Foundation, Inc., I was the Technical Coordinator of Project Upturn which entailed the creation of an inventory of climate adaptation practices in the Philippines. For Greenpeace, I was part of the climate justice campaign where I helped produce videos of youth climate stories. As a Consultant of the UN’s International Organization for Migration in their Climate Change-Conflict Nexus Project, I assisted local government units in the development of their Local Climate Change Action Plan.

Funny enough, I had to do things that I swore I’d never do. Like a tiktok dance for the Party for the Planet Campaign or be a vlogger for a Youtube video. But hey, it’s for climate action so why not?

For 2023, there is more work to be done, for sure. Will the climate crisis get better? It will get worse. That’s the reality and we have to prepare for it. But I am hopeful because the issue is finally getting the attention it deserves and the climate movement is growing. In the words of Ryunosuke Satoro, “Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.” Well, this might just be the ocean that could turn things around.

Coping with the COP26 cop out

‘How many COPS to arrest climate chaos?’ screams a banner hanging outside the premises of the Blue Zone where COP26 negotiations are happening. Dubbed by critics as the most exclusive COP ever, access to the actual negotiations was limited which could be because of the pandemic but there should have been a better way of making sure the voices of the marginalized and those most affected by climate impacts are heard.

Civil society groups sure did their part of amplifying the call for climate justice. There were protests around the COP26 venues, all over Glasgow, and all over the world. The ‘Global Day of Action for Climate Justice’ in particular has shown the strength of the climate movement. I joined the march in Glasgow and I was amazed to see the commitment of so many people who never minded the cold and the rain.

I volunteered for COP26 Coalition, which organized the People’s Summit. To me, this was the real COP. It served as a platform for movements and communities to discuss real solutions to the climate crisis, as opposed to greenwashing and delaying tactics happening at the exclusive zone.

I was also able to help out in the activities of the Climate Reality Project. In partnership with Climate Cafe, we created a space where we can talk about the climate crisis and share our climate stories. This would have been perfect for the Green Zone, an area dedicated for civil society groups and the public but it ended up being dominated by businesses and corporations. This theme carried out to the Blue Zone which seemed like an unnecessary display of extravagance with the towering pavilions of nations and organizations.

In the end, the result of COP26 was disappointing, as expected. The consolation for me was I managed to go to various side events – a ceilidh, art exhibitions, a meditation session, and various panel discussions, among others. Being around fellow advocates also gave me the much needed hope to press on.

‘How many COPS to arrest climate chaos?’ Are the COPS simply an attempt to show that something is being done about the crisis? To be fair, there has been progress but it is just too slow. Psychological distance, perceived size or significance of climate impacts, and uncertainties affect climate response. Add to that the complexity of companies and countries heavily invested in the carbon economy. So where coordinated global effort is yet to be seen, the work continues on the ground.

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A taste of alternative living in the UK

I woke up feeling the cold and smelling a hint of smoke from the yurt’s wood stove. I was proud of myself for being able to make the fire the previous night which, mind you, is not as easy as it seems. It was still dark but I decided to get out of bed and embrace the stillness of the morning as I await the sunrise.

I prayed for a sunny day, as everyone does, while preparing my usual breakfast of coffee and porridge. The day then came alive with farm activities which mostly consisted of harvesting potatoes, carrots, squash (of different varieties), beet root, swede, and leeks among others. These then were prepared for the CSA (community supported agriculture) members. On other days, we do some weeding, propagating, transplanting, and seed-saving. Sometimes, I’d be on animal care duty ensuring that the pigs, chickens, and ducks are fed. There was a couple of days where I helped out with wood work, installing roof planks for a round house, a communal and activity area. I was totally out of my element but I enjoyed learning how to use power tools, and how to saw and hammer and all that.

This has been my routine when I spent a month in the Stanford Hall CSA farm; living off the land, off-grid, in what could be considered an alternative lifestyle. I’ve been interested in the whole food system and is involved in food-related advocacy initiatives back in the Philippines. One of the modules I was enrolled in for my master’s was Globalized Agriculture and Food Systems. We’ve also been talking about community living in my Sustainable Consumption class. So it was interesting to experience these first hand thanks to Workaway, a platform for cultural exchange, working holidays, and volunteering.

Being in nature was one of the things I really enjoyed in the farm. Somebody said people who usually come here are lost souls looking for healing and answers. I suppose I was seeking to reconnect with the wisdom of the land. Eating healthy food, fresh from the farm, prepared by individuals with their own take on different dishes was another perk of living here. But I especially cherished the deep connections I was able to make with people I met. It helps that we have shared values and a genuine concern for the planet and humankind. We talked about climate change, capitalism, political unrest, and all the troubles of the world. This alternative way of living is definitely a path towards regeneration and climate action but I recognize that this kind of life is not for everyone. Still, it gives me hope to learn that we do have the capacity to challenge the status quo and create a future we want centered around sustainability, wellbeing, kindness, and love. A future I definitely would want to be a part of.

COP26 is officially starting today and I fear that it will simply be all talk and no result. I believe global cooperation and all sectors working together are crucial in solving climate change. Achieving that is immensely challenging, but it is possible. If only we realize early enough to go back to basics, learn from the wisdom of the land, uphold social justice, and perhaps, give alternative living a try.

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Climate Justice Now

Not one, not two, but three typhoons have badly hit the Philippines just in the past few weeks. Because of climate change, these extreme weather conditions have been becoming more and more frequent. Despite that, a study found that climate change awareness is low among Filipinos.

In a lecture for our Climate Change and Development class, however, Asher Minns of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research said that generally there is enough climate awareness but not enough dialogue. Thus, we’re missing our climate targets, which also undermines the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

That may be okay for developed nations that are not greatly affected by climate change or can sufficiently adapt to climate impacts. It’s a different story for the Philippines. Strong typhoons will continue to be the norm. Floods will destroy properties and leave families homeless. Livelihood of farmers considered to be the poorest of the poor will be gone. And worst, this will lead to countless lives lost.

Good governance, effective Science communication, and community participation led to zero casualty in the Camotes Islands during the onslaught of typhoon Haiyan in 2013. These good practices, unfortunately, are not followed in most places in the Philippines which focus on disaster response instead of prevention. Glorifying the resilient Filipino spirit has even further led to government inaction.

Adaptation measures should be prioritised by climate-vulnerable countries but there should also be urgency towards global effort in reducing greenhouse gases to mitigate climate change .

But the question is, who is willing to take the lead? How can we untangle the complexity of climate politics and negotiations? And how can we overcome the psychological distance of those in power?

The climate crisis is a social justice crisis and it’s up to us to work together to re-strengthen our humanity. Our present and our future depend on it.

Photo Credit: George Buid

The Fight for Climate Justice

In the movie, “Parasite,” the rich family considered the strong rains a nuisance and a blessing in disguise as the poor family struggled to salvage what they can from the flood and had to spend the night at an evacuation center.

Much like the 100 companies responsible for 71% of global emissions who don’t give a damn about the climate crisis as they are safely cooped up in their ivory towers.

They don’t have to worry about homes, and properties, and crops being destroyed by typhoons. Heat waves and rising sea levels wouldn’t bother them. They can simply install more air conditioners in their mansions or better yet move somewhere else. How about water scarcity and food insecurity? They can afford to buy all their needs that can last them a lifetime.

It’s no surprise how governments have no power to make these companies accountable because they basically pull the strings.

Activists, environmentalists, and indigenous people call for action. Yet they get red-tagged, imprisoned, and killed. Especially for the Philippines considered to be the deadliest country for environmental defenders.

There is hope, however, in the youth leading the climate strike responding to Hillel’s “If not me, who? If not now, when?” It’s a shame that they have to demand for climate justice from those who are supposed to protect them and their future.

The road to victory seems dreary but the fight goes on.

My Climate Story

2005 – I visited Mindanao for the first time. I was told that they don’t really experience typhoons at all. For Luzon, Baguio in particular, it gets its fair share of typhoons but I remember them not being too extreme.

2012 – I joined a group of volunteers who traveled to Iligan in Mindanao to conduct play activities for children affected by typhoon Sendong. We went to two evacuation centers and had storytelling, did origami, and sang some songs for the children there.

We visited the areas where houses used to stand, those by the river. They’re all gone. It was surreal how tragedy sneers right at your face. We walked through the city. The funny thing was everything seemed normal. Business was on a buzz, as usual. People walked by as if nothing happened.

2014 – Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda, the strongest typhoon to make landfall ravaged Tacloban and other areas of Visayas and Mindanao. I was living in Manila at that time but the super typhoon’s strength was felt even at this part of the country. Haiyan claimed countless lives and destroyed several homes and properties.

The following year, some of my friends and I organized an outreach for children of Barangay Paglaum in Tacloban. We introduced the hygiene 5 through breakout sessions. The kids were also given basic hygiene kits. Aside from this, we helped coordinate a magic show for two Child Friendly Space areas in the community.

It was sad to see the devastation first hand. And for most Filipinos, this was a confirmation that climate change is real.

2020 – Addressing the COVID-19 crisis is, understandably, the immediate priority but we should also give equal attention to climate change and the destruction of natural environment, which come to think of it has led to this pandemic. The Philippines, according to the 2020 Global Climate Risk Index Report, is ranked second among climate-vulnerable countries. It is, therefore, in our best interest to aspire for a regenerative, resilient, and equitable future.

On July 18, the Climate Reality Project Global Training commenced with the objective of empowering 14,000 Climate Reality Leaders. I was trained back in 2016 in Manila and now is a mentor to some trainees. It gives me hope to feel the enthusiasm of these individuals towards climate action. It’s a long way to go and there would be a lot of challenges and disappointments that we’ll be encountering but we should press on and do what we can. That’s the only way to go. There’s no planet B after all and it’s up to us to work together for our survival.

 

 

The Youth in Action

Greta Thunberg, today’s face of the climate movement, is angry. And we should be furious with her because those in power dilly dally in addressing this very complicated problem we now call as climate emergency.

Admittedly, change, a systemic one at that, would take time. But that’s something we’re running out of. And this should move us all into action. To be honest, this blatant disregard and apathy from the government and corporations is frustrating. So I’ve decided to draw encouragement from empowered individuals and young people giving their all, making their voices heard, and fighting for their future and their now.

The Global Climate Strike gained a lot of support worldwide and the Philippines, despite being one of the countries with least greenhouse gas emission, joined this national mobilization for climate action. Jefferson Estela, founder of Youth Strike 4 Climate Philippines outlined the demands of the group during a dialogue with Climate Change Commission on September 18, 2019. This include the phase out of coal and other fossil fuels, transition to renewable energy, and declaration of climate emergency in the country, among others.

#IAmHampasLupa together with Youth Strike 4 Climate Philippines had a dialogue with Secretary Emmanuel M. De Guzman, Atty. Efren Bascos, and Ludwig O. Federigan of the Climate Change Commission PH. The discussion revolved around the campaign for ecological agriculture and #DietforClimate, and the Climate Strike.

Foundation University in Dumaguete hosted the event “Entrepreneurship and My Future” focusing on social innovation on September 20. During the event, MakeSense, a community of citizens, social entrepreneurs, and organizations working for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, facilitated a start-up creation workshop for students in the city.

“Entrepreneurship and My Future” at Foundation University, Dumaguete.

In time for the International Coastal Clean-up Day on September 21, Bacolod CORE (Children Optimization for the Revitalization of the Environment), a youth-led group, gathered more than five hundred volunteers at Purok Crossing Otso, Barangay Tangub for a clean-up and waste auditing. Part of the day’s activities was a creative Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Workshop for kids in the community.

Operation Kawayan Creative DRRM Workshop with children of Barangay Tangub.

The youth is often branded as selfish and are simply concerned of their social media image. But on the contrary, they are passionate, proactive, and brave. They are hopeful, they are angry, and they use all that energy to make a change.

The Ends is Nigh

UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report warns us that we may have only until 2030 to solve the issue of climate change. Basically, we have to limit warming to 1.5°C because the continuous increase in temperature has already given us a preview of what is to come – catastrophic typhoons and droughts, frequent flooding, deadly diseases, and these could get worse. Sounds like a Nostradamus prediction but it’s all real no matter how hard people like Trump deny it.

Would this actually prod politicians, capitalists, and corporations to do something? If all hell breaks loose, they’re safely tucked in their ivory towers counting money. How can they sleep at night? Makes you want to punch them in the face.

Photo from kleanindustries.com

For instance, worst plastic polluters like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestle make empty promises about reducing plastic waste which we’re practically eating already (Yep, microplastics were found in human poop!) There’s Monsanto controlling food production and promoting Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). The issue of GMOs is debatable but if you ask me, without comprehensive studies on the long-terms effects of consuming GMOs, I wouldn’t choose to eat them.

In the Philippines, a developing country subscribing to the ideals of developed nations, urbanization is on a rush. Mountains are flattened and trees are cut to make way for concrete roads, and malls, and condos, and fastfood restos (making us all dangerously fat).

The state of the environment is never a priority. We have this idea that we have the right to trash this planet (case in point, overtourism of Boracay leading to its closure). Eventually, we sadly face the consequences of our actions and they can turn out to be deadly. Lives were lost in the landslide in Itogon, Benguet and Naga, Cebu. And this is not something new. But corrupt government officials who don’t give a damn don’t do anything about it.

I read about narcotization in Chuck Palahniuk’s novel, “Stranger than Fiction.” When a problem looks too big, when we’re shown too much reality, we tend to shut down. Are we shown too much of environmental decay that we have decided not to take any action? Why is it all bad news that we are made to see anyway? Someone said because good news can take care of itself, which makes a lot of sense.

Speaking of good news, the ozone layer is healing! So we do have the capacity to turn things around. Maybe we can address climate change and plastic pollution and it won’t be the end after all. I hope.

 

Diet for Climate: How your food choices can mitigate climate change

Climate change impacts food security which can lead to hunger.

This was stressed by Greenpeace Southeast Asia Executive Director Yeb Saño during the “Ship Ahoy: Diet for Climate” event on February 15, 2018 held onboard the Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior Ship.

The said event aimed to promote eating more fruits and vegetables and less meat because a plant-based diet can mitigate climate change as it generates relatively low greenhouse gasses compared to the meat industry.

According to DOST Asst. Scientist Dr. Imelda Agdeppa of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, there is a problem of under and over nutrition as well as nutrient deficiency in the Philippines. This is due to the decrease in the intake of fruits and vegetables; and in contrast a slight increase of meat intake.

Greenpeace Food and Ecological Agriculture Campaigner Virginia Benosa-Llorin mentioned that in a commissioned survey, seven out of ten Filipinos are meat eaters with meat being tasty as one of the reasons why they prefer it over vegetables.

To demonstrate that food can be healthy and tasty at the same time, Rainbow Warrior Chef Daniel Bravo, Chef Giney Villar of Feliza Taverna Y Cafe, and TV personality Love Añover-Lianko showed how to prepare meatless recipes.

Chef Daniel said that whatever is good for you is good for the environment as he presented his version of ceviche or kinilaw using mung beans (mongo) as the main ingredient. He called the dish “fruits of the earth” and described it as a nutritional symbiotic ecosystem.

Chef Giney encouraged the eating of raw, “living” food; to be familiar with the food that we eat; and to eat local. She created a fruit chocolate dip made from tablea, fried and green pinipig, and muscovado.

Meanwhile, Love Añover, as a mother, stressed the importance of making healthy food attractive for kids and teaching them how to eat and prepare healthy dishes. She came up with a salad dressing using honey, mustard, calamansi, pepper, and salt.

“Ship Ahoy: Diet for Climate” was part of the Greenpeace Southeast Asia Philippine Leg Rainbow Warrior Ship Tour. The tour will be highlighting the real impacts of climate change in the country and, at the same time, celebrate solutions towards climate resilience and resistance.

 

Chef Daniel Bravo, Love Añover, and Chef Giney Villar

“Healthy Eats and Treats” with Holy Spirit National High School students.

“Ship Ahoy: Diet for Climate” performers – Catholic Filipino Academy Homeschool Orchestra, Kultura para sa Kalayaan (KULAY), and Safe Cities Youth Theater Advocacy Group (SCYTAG)

“Fruits of the Earth” of Chef Daniel

Tablea chocolate dip of Chef Giney

Tasty and tangy salad dressing of Love

Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior Ship