Tolentino cites urgency to OK 1.5 gas emissions limit

TOLENTINO

SENATORIAL aspirant and disaster preparedness advocate Atty. Francis Tolentino cited the urgency for the 195-nation to approve the 1.5 degrees gas emissions to prevent a global warming catastrophe.

“Time is running out. The crazy weather pattern is a sign that we should do our share. Rich and poor nations must commit or we all end up regretting,” warned Tolentino, an environment advocate.

Tolentino said the future of the world is now in the hands of world leaders who must decide “right now or face condemnation from their own people.”

“I was stunned upon learning that melting glaciers slow down the Earth’s rotation,” Tolentino said.

Tolentino likewise cited reports that a solar energy company will set up facilities in Zamboanga city. It is a very positive development consideridering the unjust rotating brown outs being suffered by the area.

Tolentino reiterated that 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 over dzXL.

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 who 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 had, carbon dioxide contributes to the greenhouse effect resulting in climate change.

“Its 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.