TACLOBAN CITY-Philippine Climate Change Commissioner Naderev “Yeb” Saño admitted “it’s no rumor anymore” that climate change has also contributed to last year’s supertyphoon Yolanda which leveled central Philippines and killed over 8,000 persons.
“We have enough evidence to show that climate change is already upon us and the science is coming very much clearer into focus. That when you have warmer temperature around the world, like in the western hemisphere, that will breed more storms,” Sano said during a visit to the city on March 2.
“That’s the bad news. But then again I would like to emphasize that disaster is not only the function of the hazards. There are lots of things that I believe are within our control including moving people out of harm’s way, doing good urban planning and addressing poverty in an effective way then disasters will be minimized. That is why we are working with the local government of Tacloban, as it is important that the way Tacloban will recover becomes the model for the rest of the Philippines,” he added.
In terms of its recovery, the commissioner said that “Tacloban’s recovery is inspiring, faster.”
“We as a global community are working closely together,” he said, adding that nine out of ten disasters are relayed to climate.
Meantime, Margareta Wahlstrom, special representative of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon for UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, also warned that while the country is reeling from its massive rehabilitation and reconstruction program, people should learn “not to forget” the lessons brought by the disaster.
“The disaster also brings opportunity for the country to work together and do better.”
Acknowledging that the country is one of the most disasters prone countries in the world, Wahlstrom emphasized on the need of good communication in all levels in the community. (RONALD O.REYES)
