MY ADVOCACY

Sometime ago, say 10 years, we even could not understand the meaning of terms like, global warming, climate change, carbon emission, carbon footprints and god knows how many others words, we ever heard, but the situations is that now we should know the meaning of each and every word at least for the sake of enlarging our knowledge. These words are very important words, explaining about the current horrifying situation being faced by our mother earth on the parlance of global warming and its damages to her. Our unawareness of the above words is the subject for the past, as it is now a ground reality that the industrialization, globalization, modernization made our mother earth wept.

The role of trees in counters the emissions. Trees are green machines that act as natural filters of our air. Through the process of photosynthesis (a word which we learned in our primary classes, which we have to remember) they absorb carbon dioxide (a key GHG and principle contributor to global warming) from the atmosphere and store it in their trunks, branches, leaves, roots, soil and foliage, while releasing oxygen back out. Whereas deforestation, degradation and poor forest management reduce carbon storage in forests, sustainable management, planting, and rehabilitation of forests can increase carbon sequestration. In fact the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization states global carbon retention resulting from reduced deforestation, increased forest re-growth and more agro-forestry and plantations could make up for about 15% of carbon emissions from fossil fuels over the next 50 years.

Plant as much as trees. Trees are not only an effective means for absorbing and storing the carbon we emit, they have far reaching benefits that extend well beyond that of filtering the air. Sustainably managed forests and urban forestry have multiple environmental and socio-economic functions important at the global, national and local scales, and play a vital part in sustainable development. Forests are sources of wood products. They help regulate local and regional rainfall. And forests are crucial sources of food, medicine, clean drinking water, and immense recreational, visual, and spiritual benefits for millions of people. This is the time for everyone to think, think about planting trees, you will be surprised to know, a large tree will absorb approximately 20.3 kgs of carbon dioxide per annum and figures are based on a 40 year life span of the tree. Through every day, living beings, cause carbon dioxide to be emitted into the atmosphere through the use of fossil fuels, by heating and lighting our home and cooking etc. To compensate the emissions, trees are a good counterbalance as they inhale or absorb carbon dioxide and exhale or emit oxygen. Of course, the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed varies between trees and the environment, which they are in but on average a large tree will absorb approximately 20.3 kgs per year over a 40 year of its lifespan.

Global Warming in the Philippines

Global Warming is one of the most talked and campaigned about issues of the 21st century. We all know that it is an undeniable fact that while the world population is increasing, the pollution is also increasing in a larger ratio. Many countries successfully implemented “Green” policies, to protect our environment and our future. These policies are increasingly being implemented in Central Europe in countries such as Germany. Recycling garbage, plastic, and even old appliances belongs to the strict regimen. Other policies such as fines imposed on littering, burning of waste or leaves, and even the encouragement of collective transportation have been imposed.

Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, are the third largest emitters of carbon among developing countries. Unfortunately, the Philippines cannot brag about any environmental policies in any way. It is indeed true that a Waste Management Act has been implemented, yet if we look at our everyday lives; the sad reality comes crushing down on us Filipinos. We barely care for our environment. We see wrappers all over what should have been a green environment. We see people burning their garbage in their homes and on the streets. We even love to shower ourselves with the abundance of fresh water, which could have been saved. All of these things do not really imply that the Philippines is really affected by global warming (which it is in fact, but more of that later), rather it seems that Philippines plays a big role as a contributor in global warming.

Let us analyze the facts of outside causes of global warming. Many people believe (which is also true) that so called greenhouse gases that emit CO₂ into the atmosphere which causes the rays of the sun to be kept within the earth atmosphere for a longer time, since it bounces back. This causes an increase of temperature, which in turn causes more natural catastrophes. Although this is the main cause of global warming, there is yet another cause, which has something to do with the cycle of our Sun. Every ten to twelve years, the sun is in its peak and vice versa. The peak is the solar maximum, which means that this is when the sun is the hottest and emits more solar storms than ever. This period should be the solar maximum of the sun, since the last was in the 90s. This is also an important factor that contributes to global warming.

Let us look into what the Philippines are contributing in positive and negative ways; Our National Capital Region is clearly overpopulated and packed with vehicles. As we know, the air pollution problem is very much present in Metro Manila and the quality of our motor vehicles is far inferior than to those in first world countries. Our cars and motorcycles emit far more CO₂ than the refined ones abroad, which adds up to the worlds total in a significant way. Even though we produce far less CO₂ than USA or China, we have to acknowledge that our country is an archipelago and a developing country, and putting those two factors together, our greenhouse gas emissions do make a difference.

Another problem we are facing in the Philippines is not only corruption but the lack of strict implementation of the Republic Acts concerning the environment, such as RA 7586 a.k.a. NIPAS, the Waste Management Act, so on and so forth. The waste management act stated that by 2007, every City should have a waste facility, which has not been established so far in most parts of the country. The recycling and collecting of garbage is also very problematic in the Philippines.

Finally we should ask ourselves the question if global warming is really that bad. And for the most it does not seem so, but let me remind you;





 • It is because of global warming, that our Summers are getting hotter and our so-called winters are becoming more monsoon-like

• It is because of global warming that Dengue fever is spreading much farther and faster around the country due to increased humidity










 

• It is because of global warming that our shores will soon move closer by a meter or more each year (melting of the icecaps)

• It is because of global warming that more and more floods are affecting the Philippine islands and surrounding regions

• It is because of global warming that people hunger because their crops were destroyed in natural disasters such as storms, floods, or heat/dryness












The Philippines could even cease to exist because of global warming, because once the sea level has risen a couple of meters, even our highest mountains may not be high enough anymore to sustain a whole country.

'Those who plant a tree plant a hope’

Plant trees in your yard and around your home. They’ll provide shade to cool your home in summer and windbreaks to reduce cold winds in winter—reducing your energy needs.

Plant trees in your community—in parks, around schools, and in urban areas. Trees help shade buildings and pavement, reducing the and conserving energy.



Plant trees on your farm or rural property. Trees and woody agriculture also protect soil, provide wildlife habitat, shade your home, create windbreaks, and keep streams and rivers clean, while helping to fight global warming.

Plant trees in our national forests. You'll also be helping to restore these beautiful national treasures for future generations to enjoy.



Tree planting tips

The ideal time to plant a tree is during the rainy season, in the tropics and subtropics, or the dormant season, in temperate zones, after leaf drop or before bud break. Trees that have been well cared for in a nursery can be planted throughout the growing season.

Proper handling during planting is essential to ensure healthy growth. Proper site preparation before and during planting, coupled with good follow-up care, allows the seedlings to quickly establish roots in the new location and overcome what is known as transplant shock, a phenomenon that can slow the growth and reduce the vigour of the tree.

Seeds can be sown in seed beds or seedling containers (preferably biodegradable) prepared with a mixture of sand, compost and soil. The plants will need watering before and after germination. Reduce the frequency of watering as the seedlings grow. Shade the seedlings and gradually reduce the shade as they grow.

If you decide to plant seeds, collect them from an area that enjoys similar climatic conditions to where the trees will be planted. Collect the seeds from a number of healthy mature trees.

To plant a tree

1. Dig a hole at least twice the width of the root ball to allow the roots to spread out. Remove the tree from its container, carefully cut off broken roots, and slightly loosen the root ball.
2. Place the tree in the planting hole. Always lift the tree by the root ball and never by the trunk. Spread periphery roots outwards. Avoid planting the tree too deep. Make sure that the soil line of the young tree is higher than the surface of the surrounding hole.
3. Shovel some soil into the planting hole. Check the planting depth and adjust if needed. Confirm that the tree is straight. Fill the hole gently but firmly. Pat the soil around the base of the root ball.
4. It is not recommended to apply fertilizer at the time of planting. Water the seedling thoroughly with a slow stream of water to settle the soil. Do not stake the tree. The sooner the tree can stand alone, the sooner it will become strong.
5. Provide follow up care. Protect the tree from pests and diseases by removing plants nearby which are likely to affect it. Remove weeds as they will compete with tree roots for moisture and nutrients. Protect the tree from destruction by livestock.
6. If suitable, space trees well to avoid competition for air and soil nutrients, and to encourage the growth of branches. Watch out for drought conditions and provide water if needed, especially during the first few months. Watch out for yellowing of leaves. Always maintain good air circulation in the tree by pruning to avoid pests and other diseases.

CONCLUSION

Humans are being blamed for global warming. We have created the greenhouse gases that are causing global warming. We have created holes in the ozone layer by burning fossil fuels and everything else. The simplest solution would be for every person living in the world today to plant a tree. Trees are important tools in the fight to stave off global warming, because they absorb and store the key greenhouse gas emitted by our cars and power plants, carbon dioxide (CO2), before it has a chance to reach the upper atmosphere where it can help trap heat around the Earth’s surface. As trees grow, they remove carbon dioxide from the air, storing carbon in the trees and soil, and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. While fighting global warming, trees provide many benefits to all of us, every day. They provide cooling shade, block cold winter winds, attract birds and wildlife, purify our air, prevent soil erosion, clean our water, and add grace and beauty to our homes and communities.

Over the past decades with urban sprawl and the deforestation of the forests, trees have been cut down at alarming rates. I say the rate of deforestation worldwide and the rate of global warming would run very close to each other. Everyone has been debating about whose to blame and causes of such devastation but no real solutions or steps are being taken. We continue to build new homes striping the land of all the trees. Global Warming is more of a recent problem because the earth has been absorbing our pollutants for many years now and we have finally polluted more than the earth can handle. It's shocking to know that the earth actually has its own ability to absorb and purify these quantities of pollutants. However, because we pollute the earth so much, it cannot keep up. Therefore, we, as citizens of this nation, have a responsibility to do what we can to stop global warming and its destructive consequences. We should always remember that, it is by working together that we may succeed. So, for everyone who wants to save mother earth and preserve its beauty for the next generations to come, let us not take things for granted and do something and initiate the change not tomorrow, but today.