The key to climate change awareness

Contributed by Alexander J. Salazar – Teacher II, Pablo Roman National High School, Pilar

Climate change is one of the pressing problems of the world today that requires global concern, hence the need for a wide range of publicity and awareness. Anulao (2013) has pointed out that climate change impacts pose great dangers with consequences such as desertification, sea level rise, flooding, water salination and many more. Thus, tomorrow’s leaders need to be equipped for tomorrow’s challenges not to mention the need to prepare the children for the future that they will inherit.

According to Mannucci (2008), there is common agreement to consider climate change as the main social and environmental problem that humanity has faced and will face even. One of the most viable solutions to face the consequences of climate change is environmental education. Taking social and environmental awareness is not easy, especially in developing countries, where there are many important needs in the population. However, it is essential to plant that seed of hope to make big changes.

To contest climate change, there is a need to increase practical capacity in strengthening institutional relations for the joint management of programs based on climate change. Also, access to information of climate simulation and construction of situations, as well as integrated risk management, vulnerability and adaptation in environmental and social systems of the nation.

The lack of environmental information, especially in climate change, can sometimes be critical. According to Mariano (2016), one effective solution to environmental and citizenship awareness is the implementation of an environmental education program.

In pursuit of a community with an effective Environmental Education Program, the schools and communities need more encouragement, resources and time to devote attention to this matter. They need funding and other support to train teachers to incorporate Environmental Education into their daily lesson plans and to develop the confidence and skills to take their students outdoors to learn.

Moreover, increasing people’s awareness on climate change, not just in schools but in community level, through education is an important measure to persuade people at all levels in the community to play an active role in mitigating the adversity of climate change.

That is why the quest to find sustainable strategies in the face of climate change is very important to assess people’s knowledge otherwise they risk fighting a fruitless battle.

References:

Arlene I. Anulao. (2013). Climate Change Awareness and Solid Waste Management Practices of Students at Carmel Academy, Palauig, Zambales: Basis for Enhanced Environmental Program. (Unpublished Master’s Thesis, Columban College Graduate School, Olongapo City)

Maria Eugenia Rinaudo Mannucci. (2008). In the “Floresta School. Lara State, Venezuela.

Mariano. (2016). Awareness on Climate Change in Selected Coastal Communities in Bataan: Towards an Environmental Education Program. Bataan Peninsula State University, City of Balanga, Bataan.