I have never been so desperate to make the heavens rain in the longest time. Never was I a rain person, never ever. The splattering of the water makes it a hassle for a commuter like me to cross streets, get off and on a jeepney, plus the hassle of opening and closing the umbrella. It's just I don't like it.
Lately, Metro Cebu has been enveloped by a thick cloud of smoke that seem to signal doomsday in a very unconcerned manner. Every time I look up to the sky I could feel a sudden gush of fear as the dark envelope continues to move in an uncanny manner signaling a different kind of rush. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has confirmed that "haze" is indeed present in the atmosphere. Particles were found suspended in the air which is suspected to have come from the vast forest fire in Indonesia. Not to mention, the insurmountable amount of pollution that we give off.
Time has taken its toll. We are now reaping the harvest of the actions that have harmed the environment. The forest fire could be the one to blame, but then again it is a boomerang action to mankind who has been living on earth. The suspended particles may be foreign and harmful to our health, yet we could not get away from the fact that it is all man's doing.
Groups have been lobbying for energy efficiency using renewable energy which pertains to solar energy, wind energy and the likes. These sources are those that we could harness in an unlimited manner, given that weather conditions are good. We live in the tropics where the sun is abundant and the wind blows hard. Natural resources like this could always be put to good use.
Is the world addicted to fossil fuels? Maybe so. All I know is that the oil industry has created a ripple effect all around the world affecting professions in all levels. Have you ever asked why do drivers rally on the streets whenever there is an increase in the price of oil? Or why do taxi drivers refuse to give the mandatory P10 discount? These people feel that they have been robbed off a better life because of the increasing price of petroleum products which could be felt even up to our level.
When I was a very young girl, I used to watch this cartoon show called "captain planet." I loved it so much I would pretend I was one of the protagonist's sidekick, it was very cool. Every episode taught the child like me to take care of the environment. At the age of five, I knew what the 3Rs were: reuse, reduce and recycle (trash for that matter). I thought it was amazing. Every show fascinated me noting that a group of kids could save mother earth.
Just a look on the sky tells me that Captain Planet is not doing so much when it is still raining. Lucky for a child like me, I have access to cable tv. I guess people around the globe do not really get the message. It is just the same problem that we face day after day. We offer solutions that are temporary, we could not address the problem. With its entirety, we don't know where to start.
Well, that haze is still here and I do hope it dissipates soon. I could not take it any longer looking at dark skies, much more wearing a mask to protect my health. Heck, we should be enjoying the wonders of nature and not shunning away from it.