The firecracker link to climate change

From Ondoy to Pepeng and every typhoon in between, this has been one of the worst years for the Philippines in terms of natural disasters. As a matter of fact, we are frequently ranked among the top, if not the top, most natural disaster prone country in the world. According to the latest Global Report of the German Watch, the Philippines is one of the top 10 countries most affected by extreme weather events over the past 18 years; with a rate of 799 deaths per year and a yearly average economic losses estimated at $544 million. Sadly, deaths and damages this year far exceeded the average, as did last year.

Now we are coming up on one of the most dangerous times of the year for asthmatics (like us) and those with respiratory diseases: New Year’s Eve. The reason is simple, fireworks and firecrackers are a major source of air-born pollutants. Of course, our first concern when it comes to firecrackers and fireworks (especially the illegal variety) is the physical harm. The most common are loss of fingers and eyesight, with concomitant fires that can destroy homes and livelihoods. But the danger is more far-reaching. From the newly named Executive Director of the Climate Commission, Secretary Heherson Alvarez: “Firecrackers cause an even graver danger to mankind’s survival. The tons of carbon dioxide and toxic chemicals of garbage smoke thrown up in the air by exploding firecrackers, hasten global warming that bring changes in weather patterns summoning a cycle of typhoons and droughts…”

CNN has been reporting that global awareness for climate change
and green issues is increasing. Globally, of course, this started with what has been called the most watched power-point in history: An Inconvenient Truth. Spurred on by Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore’s documentary, Hollywood has become quite environmentally conscious. For example, look at the latest blockbuster film from noted film-maker James Cameron. Avatar, aside from carrying an anti-war message, has a very strong green and pro-environment message. The central struggle in that film should resonate with Filipinos (who have historically seen our country sought after by foreign powers for its natural resources and prime location within Asia). We hope that movie-goers (locally and globally) take heed of the environmental theme.

On the dawn of a new decade, it behooves us to become more environmentally conscious and green-aware. A good regional example is Australia. Last year, Sydney, Australia made the decision to make their New Year’s celebrations carbon neutral. Despite having 5000kg of explosive devices and spending $5 million on the celebration they made a concerted attempt to make sure the environmental damage was mitigated. They measured emissions from fireworks, fuels, electricity consumption and waste during the event and then purchased power and carbon credits. Of course, this is a cost-intensive remedy, so our solution may be to reduce our official fireworks and firecracker output. Filipinos are ingenious; tin cans, drums, trumpets, horns and other materials could be used to ring in the New Year.

We have noticed, over the last few weeks, an increased use of fireworks at night. Fun these may be, we have to be aware of the environmental damage they cause. Recently, the Philippines, through Secretary Alvarez and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, expressed support for the Kyoto Protocol and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change for “deep cuts” in global emissions. A good first step for us would be to reduce our fireworks. We admire the stance that Secretary Alvarez has taken, in terms of working to teach and remind Filipinos about broader environmental issues. The sad truth is, that unless something is done, climate change and its ecological impact is going to worsen. We must all do our part; let’s start by having an environmentally neutral New Year’s celebration. –Alejandro R. Roces (The Philippine Star)