By climaterealityph | Aug 21, 2018
Environmental advocates convened in the 2018 State of Nature Assessment or the “Green SONA” held last 20 August at the Albergo Hotel, Baguio City.
The gathering is an annual event for assessing the performance of the government in environmental conservation and sustainable development and empowering civil society to take action.
This year’s Green SONA revolved around environmental threats exacerbated by climate change and how they must be addressed, especially those of which had low awareness.
“All environmental issues are directly or indirectly implicated in climate change,” said Dr. Angelina Galang, President of Green Convergence. “Climate change is the most observable result, but it is also the ultimate result of our impacts on the planet.
Among the issues tackled include nuclear energy and incineration, genetically modified organisms, mining and the construction of dams, forest preservation, and sustainable tourism.
While some of these issues have been especially targeted by the Duterte administration such as poor mining and tourism practices, others such as incineration and GMOs have not received as much attention nationally.
Despite the continuing struggles in harmonizing economic growth with environmental protection, Galang praised the efforts of individuals and organizations working together to promote sustainable development.
“Looking back, we see that our efforts have born fruit. I’m talking about the men, women, old and young individuals who are working passionately to save our planet,” she remarked.
Galang also noted the endeavors of the national and local government units to achieve sustainability. However, their campaigns are allegedly unsound and may actually lead to further environmental degradation and adverse socioeconomic impacts.
“There are viable, better alternatives. It is just that the worst alternatives that are now being promoted,” she said.
Ultimately, the Green SONA highlighted the most powerful solution to all environmental issues: the human will, especially in governance.
“The solutions are found not in man-made technology, but in our humanity; a change of heart among us human beings,” said Dr. Gaudelia Reyes, Head of the Center for Environmental Management and Sustainable Development.
The Green SONA was organized by the Green Convergence, a coalition of environment advocacy organizations and individuals campaigning for sustainable development.