By: Karol Josef Lucena
Bicol University College of Arts and Letters
OJT, PIA-NCR
QUEZON CITY, 07 April (PIA)--El Niño is one of the most pressing global phenomenon wherein an unusual increase in sea surface temperature (SST) or warming of the ocean is observed.
It has been linked to flood and droughts and causes significant changes in biology and weather when it occurs - heavily impacting the agricultural sector, supply of water and power in the country.
Recently, Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) appealed to the public to observe a climate-conscious summer by taking concrete personal steps to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
He advised the public to use water more efficiently especially during the summer when the strong effect El Niño can be felt.
“The prevailing heat nowadays should remind people that we are experiencing a longer and hotter dry season aggravated by El Niño,” Paje said.
Paje said El Niño also leads to drought that greatly affects farmers because it completely dries farmlands due to reduced rainfall.
Effects of El Niño
With less rainfall, shortage of water supply becomes prevalent, leading to water-rationing in some cases. This may then affect the power supply in the country, especially in places where electricity is sourced from hydropower plants.
Drought may also lead to shortage in food supply, especially because the Philippines is an agricultural country. It causes dessert-like soil that many plants in tropical regions will be unable to tolerate the excessively high heat – resulting to the loss of crops and henceforth, hunger.
Because the ocean temperature in the Pacific is warmer during an El Niño, the country can also expect typhoons with stronger intensities. It also develops a high risk of forest, grass, and bush fires.
Paje, on the other hand, reassured the masses that the country’s water supplies are also under close watch as reservoirs begin to dry up and rivers carrying less water. He urges the public to take measures to mitigate the effects of El Niño like conserving energy and water.
“Enjoy the beauty of our natural wonders, which our country has been blessed with so many of. But remember to keep the environment in as clean and pristine state as possible, or contribute to its improvement, not deterioration,” he said.
Tips for climate-friendly summer
With the inevitability of the phenomenon, Paje provided tips and reminders to the people in order to be fully prepared against the coming of El Niño.
“Use only as much water as needed. Any excess can be used for animals to drink, to water plants, flush the toilets, or clean floors or cars. Use reusable food-grade containers, not disposable plastic, for food and drinking water to minimize waste,” he indicated.
Keeping the surroundings clean is also important to reduce the use of energy and water that may be needed to clean them up.
Switching off and unplugging electrical appliances, devices or fixtures when not in use is also a must to save electricity.
Paje also advised everyone to keep vehicles well-maintained to lessen pollution, and to patronize fuel-efficient vehicles that can transport more passengers at a time.
“This not only saves on gas but reduces emissions that worsen the heat and contribute to air pollution,” Paje said.
The environment chief also encouraged communities to start cleaning up waterways in their areas to prevent possible flooding after the country’s weather bureau warned of possible onslaught of La Niña when El Niño ends.
La Niña is a phenomenon that usually follows El Niño, bringing above normal rainfall, stronger monsoons, and more storms. (DENR/RJB/SDL/KJL/PIA-NCR)
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