Tolentino: Major players key in outcome of climate summit

TOLENTINO

Senatorial aspirant and disaster preparedness advocate Atty. Francis Tolentino cited the importance of the final agreement and commitment between countries in the Conference of Parties (COP) 21 in France to prevent global warming catastrophe.

However, Tolentino said he is not optimistic that developing countries would agree to reduce gas emissions in the face of climate change.

“Mahalaga ang lalabas na agreement sa COP21 pero hindi ako sigurado kung may mangyayari sa final agreement. Kailangan may commitment sa agreement ang industrialized or developed nations yung mga major player like China, United States at Europe para ma-achieve ang target in keeping the rise in global temperatures to less than 2 degrees Celsius,” he said.

Tolentino stressed that the climate change issue needs a concerted effort or actions among countries around the world.

“Kahit pumayag tayo na babaan ang gas emissions, kung yung mga kalapit naman nating bansa like India, China na nagdedevelop, walang mangyayari sa final agreement. Dahil dinadala ng hangin ang polusyon kahit sa ibang bansa,” said Tolentino in a radio interview.

Reports said that global temperatures have risen to one degrees celsius since the industrial revolution of the 19th century and that the COP21’s goal is to ensure that it will not rise more than two degrees celsius.

Tolentino is hoping that developed countries would agree to subsidize third world countries thru insurance pool to mitigate effects of climate change.

The former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman suggested that one can contribute in taking care of the planet by making sure all vehicles are regularly tuned up.

With the rising sea level during typhoons, Tolentino urged the government to erect sea walls as well as relocating people living in low areas to a safer ground.

“Wala na tayong magagawa sa climate change. Ang kailangan na lang natin ay paghandaan ang effect nito that is why I am pushing for the establishment of Disaster Reconstruction Agency,” said Tolentino.

He even proposed for the adoption of waste to energy facilities similar to Singapore and Tokyo Metro Centers by utilizing Metro Manila’s garbage to convert into electricity.

“We can use our garbage which causes floods and other health problems on a renewable basis, to provide energy by converting them into methane gas. I support the use of alternative energy resources given the complex and sensitive environmental issue of the coal fuel cycle,” added Tolentino.

He based his observation from his knowledge of the subject matter. Incidentally, Tolentino took up International Environmental Law at Tulane University in Louisiana, USA.

He said that coal combustion generates four main sources of pollution like sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon dioxide and particular matter which damage land water and air.

Sulfur oxide increases the sulfur content of the soil and causes human health problems, crop damage and acid rain. On the other hand, carbon dioxide contributes to the greenhouse effect resulting in climate change.
“It’s time we look to alternative energy resources and the government should provide the necessary incentives. Solar energy, geothermal energy and biomass should be developed as they are relatively safe and clean,” Tolentino said.