TODAY’S GENERATION that has defied the labels “shallow,” “selfie-taking,” and “narcissistic” could help reduce effects of climate change with the aid of latest technologies and by small steps such as using nature-friendly materials instead of plastics.
This was the message of Vice President Leni Robredo in her keynote speech to youth during a climate change forum held Saturday at the Albertus Magnus Auditorium.
“Instead of sitting by on the sidelines, you are finding ways to discover your role in nation building. […] All hope is not lost because we believe you can do something about climate change now,” Robredo said.
“Climate change is real and it is putting many of our people at risk. And you know what’s even worse; climate change hits the poorest first and hits the poorest hardest. Each time a calamity strikes, it is the poorest who pay for it, sometimes with their own lives,” she added, citing the victims of typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.
Yolanda was recorded as one of the most powerful typhoons that struck the Philippines. It killed more than 6,000 people.
“My dear young ones, we do not have to wait for another calamity to move us into action,” Robredo said. “We can do something now to navigate the impact of climate change. We do not have to let it hit us close to home.”
Themed “Youth vs. Climate Change: The Ultimate PR Challenge,” the event was organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, a non-profit organization of public relations professionals aiming to advance public relations practice in the country. F
