BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) in Caraga joined in the observation of this year's National Climate Change Consciousness Week (NCCCW) on November 19-25, 2021. 

Environmental activities and webinars were launched by the agency in partnership with various government agencies and stakeholders under the theme, "Klima ng Kinabukasan, Ating Pangalagaan."

"[Our activities] are sort of our solution or climate action such as promoting awareness on climate change as well as the solutions to the impacts of climate change," said Carlo Dacera, a senior environmental management specialist at EMB-Caraga who also serves as its focal person for climate change. 

On the NCCCW's kick-off on November 19, biking enthusiast from various organizations such as the Tandag Cycling Club, Mixed Bikers United, and the Banjak Carrascal, the CTP Construction and Mining Company, and from the local government unit of Carrascal town in Surigao del Sur province participated in the agency's Project Padyak launched in the said town. 

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), transportation contributed 29% of the greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, with carbon dioxide (CO2) making up 76% of the greenhouse gases emitted worldwide. 

As a solution, EMB-Caraga launched the activity to promote biking as a means of transportation in lieu of transportation vehicles that use gasoline. A total of 115 individuals took part in the biking and tree planting activities.

A series of webinars were also launched in partnership with various youth organizations and the Department of Education (DepEd) to promote awareness on the recent developments of climate change, the actions international and local organizations are formulating to address its impact and the important role the youth plays in the success of these endeavours. 

On November 23, EMB-Caraga took part in the Code Red: The State of Climate and Humanity, a national webinar wherein updates from the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) as well as the key findings and outcomes from the recently issued International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 6th Assessment Report, specifically on the Physical Science basis, where discussed.

Dacera served as a speaker in the webinar, along with representatives from the DENR and the Climate Change Commission and renowned youth leaders and advocates on environmental protection.  

To culminate the weeklong celebration, the agency spearheaded a fun walk and tree growing activity on November 29 in Brgy. Bancasi, this city under the PADYAK banner program. 

This year's NCCCW celebration focused on enjoining the youth in acting against climate change. This is crucial, said Dacera, since the 'woke' generation is now more willing to actively take part in addressing the global phenomenon. 

"This younger generation contributes a lot to the development of our environment. Our youth will become our successors and their eagerness and awareness will help us which is why we have to guide them," he said. 

With the effects of climate change worsening over the years, Dacera urged Caraganons to be part of the solution and perform their responsibility as inhabitants of nature in protecting the environment. 

"We contribute a lot to the effects of global warming. With that, as responsible and law-abiding citizens, we, especially our youth, have the duty and moral obligation to be part of the solution in creating a better [environment] for everyone. We need everybody because climate change will not be effectively managed until individuals and communities can make a difference," said Dacera. 

"I, therefore, urge everyone to work together as a community and as a nation towards a safer and sustainable future for us and for the next generation. Panahon na po ng pagbabago sa sarili, hindi pagbabago ng panahon," he added. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga)