Hazy days

Many people quickly noticed that the skyline of Metro Cebu appeared darker than usual. It seemed as though the buildings were shrouded in a thick black cloud, with visibility so limited that the usual landmarks were barely visible. The state weather bureau later confirmed the presence of light haze. In simple terms, haze is an obscured sight in the lower atmosphere, caused by fine suspended particles. At first, the degassing of Kanlaon Volcano was blamed, but the Environmental Management Bureau assured the public that the air quality was fine.

It was only later that PAGASA linked the haze to changes in weather patterns. The haze may have been brought about by the numerous weather disturbances lined up to affect the country. This weekend, another major storm is expected to make landfall within the Philippines' territory. Many people are frightened, with some even publicly praying for relief from the disaster ahead. Having just weathered a storm last week, they wonder: can there really be another storm so soon? The trajectories of the storm show how wide it could damage the northern part of the Philippines yet again.

What many overlook in this uproar is the undeniable truth that environmental changes are real and evident. The primary culprit is climate change, which is being accelerated by human activities that have drastically impacted the environment. Even the smallest actions we take daily can have long-term consequences. One of the most notable effects is the rise in global temperatures, which has warmed our seas and raised their levels. This contributes to erratic rainfall, stronger typhoons, and scorching hot days. What we once thought was a myth is now unfolding before our eyes. The haze is merely a sign of what’s to come.

As I write, world leaders are discussing ways to mitigate and adapt to these challenges. It is notable that they do not only comprise big countries but even those who are still considered to be developing, like the Philippines. However, the focus has shifted from addressing the root cause to setting aside funds to manage the effects of climate change. These funds could also support the transition from harmful resources to greener alternatives. I’m just uncertain how quickly these discussions will translate into concrete policies and real-world change. Still, these meetings are better than nothing. Climate change must be a priority. It must be talked about.

The hazy days will continue unless we change our lifestyles. If we transition to clean energy, eliminate plastics, and use more sustainable materials in our daily lives, we can contribute to the planet's recovery. For their part, local government units should also ramp up their policies to implement these changes. Strong enforcement is also needed to make sure it is upheld. Ultimately, it’s up to the world’s biggest polluters to pay for the damage caused, as their carbon emissions remain disproportionately high. What we can do is engage in the conversation and stay informed. It’s more than just hazy days and wearing masks --it’s about our collective future.