EDITORIAL - Looking for fireflies

When was the last time you saw fireflies? That question was posed by advocates of environmental protection who staged a "bicycle run" last Sunday to promote clean air. Organizers of the event pointed out that fireflies, once a delightful sight that reminded children of fairies and Christmas lights, have disappeared from Metro Manila and other areas in the country plagued by heavy air pollution.

The environmentalists’ hunt for fireflies in Metro Manila was a fitting prelude to activities marking World Earth Day today. Like much of the rest of the world, Filipinos have become more aware of the need to protect the environment and preserve endangered species. We know the social and health costs of pollution and environmental degradation. We are aware of the need for sustainable exploitation of natural resources. Local government units are encouraged to promote "clean and green" environments. More and more communities are turning to garbage recycling. Eco-tourism is taking off; we saw how concern over pollution in the pristine waters of a popular resort island briefly dampened tourism there.

Yet the road to a healthy environment is long and rocky. The Clean Air Act, passed with much fanfare, had a sputtering start, with many affected sectors seeking delays of several years in the implementation of certain provisions. Smoke-belchers are still everywhere in the streets of Metro Manila. Worsening air pollution is destroying some of the country’s top tourist destinations. Illegal logging continues, and so do illegal forms of fishing. Efforts to clean up coastal areas have had spotty results. Private manufacturing companies need more incentives or prodding to switch to expensive but ultimately more cost-effective environment-friendly technology. There are efforts to preserve endangered species, but their survival remains uncertain because their natural habitats particularly rainforests continue to be depleted at an alarming rate.

It has been said that investing in the environment is investing in the future. That may not be sufficient inducement for people used to instant gratification. Fireflies? People don’t know what they’re missing; a generation is growing up that has never seen a firefly. Even the "me" generation, however, can surely see the ugly consequences of abusing the environment. Earth Day should serve as a reminder that everyone has a stake in protecting this planet.