Palawan students lead the charge toward a plastic-free and climate-resilient future
Recognizing the urgent need to address the pressing environmental challenges facing our planet, around 50 students from Palawan State University (PSU) pledged their commitment to creating a low-carbon, plastic-free, and climate-resilient university community.
The pledge was a culmination of the two-day event co-organized by The Climate Reality Project Philippines with the PSU Student Council entitled "Klima Eskwela: Climate Science, Adaptation, Arts, and Action" last May 19-20, 2023 in Puerto Princesa City.
Klima Eskwela is Climate Reality Philippines’ knowledge exchange program that provides opportunities for young climate advocates and other stakeholders to deepen and broaden their understanding of climate science, policy, and governance.
“Time and time again, we underscore the need to provide and enhance opportunities for young people to contribute to addressing the climate crisis and advancing sustainable development,” said Nazrin Castro, branch manager of Climate Reality Philippines during the opening of the event.
Castro also recognized the leadership of the local government, local organizations, and the academe in deploying climate and environmental solutions on the ground. “Climate Reality is not here just to cascade what we know and what we want to push for in your community. We are also here to learn from locally led actions already happening here in your city.”
Dr. Ronald Edilberto Ona, dean of the PSU College of Science, underscored the need for multisectoral collaboration in climate action.
“We all know that climate change is a reality. We experienced it here in Palawan when Typhoon Odette hit. We know the consequences of climate change. We need to do something. Climate change is not impossible to combat. What we are doing here with our partners is to take that first step,” Ona said.
Thinking globally and acting locally
“Let us act locally but think globally,” Ona reminded the organizers and participants of Klima Eskwela.
The first day of the event focused on the discussion of the best available climate science and climate changerelated issues in Puerto Princesa City.
“There is a consensus among scientists throughout the world that climate change is caused by humans and not simply a natural phenomenon. Ninety-nine percent of 88,000 peerreviewed studies say so,” Climate Reality Leader Jonathan Maldupana said as he discussed the basics of climate change, including what causes climate change and how human activities are altering the world’s climate systems.
“We are spewing 162 million tons of man-made global warming pollution into the thin shell of our atmosphere every 24 hours — as if it were an open sewer,” Maldupana said.
Youth commitment for climate action
The workshop culminated with the synthesis of the pledge of actions each student made for climate and the environment.
On reducing carbon footprint, students collectively committed to promoting and adopting energy-efficient practices and prioritizing sustainable transportation options.
On eliminating plastic pollution, students pledged to minimize the consumption of single-use plastics and encourage others to do the same. They also committed to promoting and engaging in waste segregation and responsible waste management practices within the university premises.
On climate resilience, students pledged to encourage research and innovation within the university community to develop climate-resilient solutions, technologies, and practices that can contribute to both campus sustainability and the wider community.
The students also pledged to serve as ambassadors of sustainability within the campus and beyond.