Asean Science Diplomats Assembly held

The Environmental and Climate Change Research Institute hosted the ASEAN Science Diplomats Assembly last April 8 to 12 at the Canyon Cove Beach Resort in Nasugbu, Batangas. The five-day assembly, themed Empowering Science and Technology Leaders for Climate Resilient ASEAN, was participated in by top scientists and engineers in Southeast Asia. The main goal of the assembly is to gather experts in the region so that they are trained in scientific language communication in the context of climate change and energy. In his opening remarks during the awarding of certificates to the delegates, DLSAU president Dr. Bjorn Santos echoed the objective of the assembly: to ensure that the effects of climate change are dealt with through regional collaborative and concerted effort, and to ensure that the results of these initiatives are cascaded to the general public through effective, clear and responsive communication. Southeast Asia—the home of many developing economies—is predicted to experience the worst effects of climate change in the next 30 to 50 years. If not addressed, these effects will not only lead to livelihood loss, food scarcity, and extreme weather conditions, but also to loss of life.