Press Release
May 12, 2009

Climate change an imminent danger -- Loren

CEBU CITY -- Senator Loren Legarda warned Monday night that "climate change is an imminent and present danger," citing the casualties and devastations caused by recent typhoons in Luzon and the Bicol region.

Speaking at the Climate Change Summit at the Waterfront Hotel here, Loren lauded Visayas Regional Development organization for holding the summit and also the leaders of the Visayas "who exemplify environmental consciousness and awareness."

"Climate change-induced disaster is not something that will happen in 50 years, but is a present and imminent danger now," Loren told the participants in the summit held at the Waterfront Hotel.

The noted environmental advocate responsible for the passage of several environmental laws also warned that the worst may have yet to come, considering that the Philippines is exposed not only to typhoons and tropical cyclones but also to many other climate-related hazards such as floods, landslides and droughts.

"Ever wonder why summer ended so abruptly?" Loren asked her audience. "April had not yet even been over when typhoons came to inflict havoc on several parts of the country, claim lives and destroy properties," she noted.

"Now the average folk around the country already have an inkling that what used to be predictable weather patterns or cycles of crop cultivation and harvesting are changing very fast," she said.

Loren stressed the urgent task to transform into concrete action the firm consensus to reverse climate change. She added "it is in this sense that there should be a general appreciation for the activity here today."

Loren, chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change , cited the proactive stance being shown by the leaders from Eastern, Central, and Western to combat climate change and to cooperate in reducing and countering disaster risks arising from climate change.

"Although you are divided by waters within you, you are united by the cultural bond that you are all Visayans. I count that in times of distress, you can count on each other to give much-needed aid to the needy," she said in the welcome dinner tendered by the Visayan leaders, namely, Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia, Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento (RDC 8) and Antique Governor Salvacion Perez (RDC 6),

"It is clear that we are gathered here today in anticipation of an immediate and emergent need to protect our citizens, their lives, properties and well-being," said Loren, citing the killer landslide in the Bicol Region a few days ago as a grim reminder that the efforts to reverse climate change cannot be tentative and meandering.

Loren also reminded those present in the summit the aftermath of typhoon "Emong" in which 36 reportedly died (with 12 more missing).

"Even as I speak before you, 4,142 persons of 822 families are in temporary evacuation centers as their houses and villages were badly hit by flash floods and strong winds," Loren said, adding that the accumulated cost of the damage to the economy could reach P390 million.

She urged for nationwide preparedness against natural disasters caused by seasonal and climate changes.

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