3 days to Copenhagen: Building Noah's Ark for the 21st century

Three days to the UN Framework Convention Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen, we are encouraged that the prediction of failure has moved to a more positive note of generating the collective will to carbon cutting and financing mechanisms for technology transfer, science research, education and communications.

In the Asia-Pacific, the voice of the Philippines which was destroyed by climate change disasters has been a strong conscientious force as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in various meetings of Heads of State and other international conferences has consistently asked for the reduction of emissions and a cohesive comprehensive financing mechanism to support climate change adaptation and mitigation including disaster risk management. Yvo de Boer, executive director of UNFCCC has praised President Macapagal Arroyo for “bringing the need for climate change abatement to the top of the political agenda. These initiatives are clearly forward looking and hugely commendable.” More leaders have started to put on the table their respective country’s commitments.

De Boer also applauded the constructive strategy of the Philippine Delegation that has consistently stressed the need for early and deep carbon cuts led by its chief negotiator, Secretary Heherson Alvarez, Presidential Adviser on Climate Change. Secretary Alvarez, with his experience and vision to address global warming since serving as Senate chairperson of the Environment Committee in 1987, and former Environment Secretary in 2001, was the wise choice of the President to eloquently present the Philippine position for the protection of archipelagic and small island states. The recently concluded inter-agency observance of Climate Change Consciousness Week (November 19-25) that was ushered in by a Multi-Media Summit on Climate Change with varied exhibitions in material recovery facilities, arts/film, literary competitions-workshops and TV specials was organized by the office of Secretary Alvarez to increase public understanding of addressing the global problem.

Furthermore, 400 participant-leaders from various sectors gathered in the Malacanang Heroes Hall two weeks ago providing a manifesto agreeing to design a comprehensive creative communications agenda to combat climate change; considering the vulnerability of the Philippines and all other island states where extreme weather changes have wreaked havoc not only on the economy, threatening bio-cultural diversity endangering flora, fauna, as well as natural heritage sites and monuments. It is a cross-cutting approach that unites science and environmental economics, to impact on social attitudes and behaviour that must be implemented through sensitive delivery of educational and cultural services through harnessing the community of artists-leaders in media, education, socio-civic and religious action.

The fruitful discussions were punctuated by a diverse menu of varied arts