makabuang...

The hottest issue this side of the universe has taken people along with it in leaps and bounds. Campaigns for a better understanding of environmental issues are held everywhere. Organizations are formed. Movements are brought to the streets. The environment is now one of the biggest concerns of our generation: how we can preserve it and make it sustainable. There are those who make a stand, those who are doing something, and those who fill the background of things. However, despite the hopefulness of many, more still choose to ignore an opportunity to create a better world. Selfishness above all dominates the minds of these people. What they sincerely need is a slap in the face to bring them back to reality so they may do their part. They need to wake up and realize how important it is for all of us to act now. In Silliman University, we see a number of students on the process of realization about the status of our world. They notice the very obvious extreme changes in the environment; floods, rising sea level, unpredictable weather changes, and increasing average temperature. They begin their own movements by setting up environment friendly activities and environmentally aware themes. Although these do not really make immediate changes to the environment, the mere fact of presenting the issues to the forefront gives it a bigger stance to the community, where more get to see the situation at hand. The global warming phenomenon is real and it is here, and many are aware of it. But they lack clear and decisive information on where to start acting. This now is the essence of the environmental movements. Massive educational campaigns are held all over the world to give way for understanding that could unite all of us in this singular stand.
Ever since the turn of the 19th century, people were acutely aware of an impending problem with the environment. Given the rapid industrial development at the time, the problem that would arise was clearly inevitable. The change was subtle, but the effect was gigantic. It is only now that we see appropriate measures taken to increase the lifespan of the environment. What gave way to the structured thinking of this decade was the whiplash of calamities that backfired from our own doing. It was then that realization struck, that all these are the results of a fed up mother earth. Our constant abuse to the environment eventually came back to us a hundred folds over. We can no longer get back what we lost. We can only stop and prevent further destruction of the environment, and this is the most important factor we must act upon. It is high time for this issue to be at the forefront of the world’s concerns. We must act together to make a change. The situation we see right now is terribly inefficient. Countries are working for their own benefits only. But singularity is the key here. And by working as one, we can change the world together.
Declaring your role of the environment bargain does not automatically make the environment better. What it presents is merely a democratic approach of one’s capacity. It only shows the existence of people who want to help make a change by doing little yet efficient changes that are integral to the common advocacy. However, it is necessary to act rather than to show your concern. Likewise, remembering the Earth Day last March, we were not able to make a significant difference to the environment at all. The program only presented people the avenue to showcase their want for change. Remember that we all have a time limit. We need to act now. Do what you can in helping our world change for the better, and be a good soul, influence others to GO GREEN!