Typhoon Ondoy gave Filipinos a deadly foretaste of what climate change can bring and the deadlier, floods and landslides that came in its wake simply confirmed that Mother Earth is warming up.
Whether it’s the beginning of a new age that some people tend to believe or it’s a continuation of a climatic pattern that is rendering an increasing number of places less livable, one thing is sure – something must be done.
It starts with one thing as far as WWF-Philippines is concerned. In its efforts to conserve and sustain the environment, the group recently launched a campaign that seeks to build partnerships with Filipinos in helping preserve the environment.
Dubbed as ‘My 1 Thing’, the campaign gives an avenue for Filipinos to help the environment. It is a part of WWF’s ‘60+’ project that seeks to inspire people to commit one thing that will lessen their carbon footprint, fight climate change and ultimately, preserve the environment.
“We believe that everyone can do something for the environment and My 1 Thing is a vehicle that enables Filipinos to contribute one thing, no matter how small, for the environment,” WWF-Philippines Vice-Chair and CEO Lory Tan said.
He pointed out that climate change is inevitable but “We can start fighting back by reducing the amount of carbon we throw back into our atmosphere and slow down climate change enough for us to adapt in time.”
For their part, WWF ambassadors Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez are hoping that everyone will be able to contribute to the Philippine effort to address the global problem.
“Be it joining a carpool or riding a bike to work, your 1 Thing does not have to be big. These pledges put together will definitely make a big impact to the country’s environment,” Fernandez said.
To pledge to the cause, those who are interested are encouraged to log on to www.my1thing.com.ph. They may create a profile page on the website, share the one thing being done to fight climate change, and share it with friends, relatives and colleagues.
The My 1 Thing campaign is also made possible by WWF-Philippines’ partnerships with the Yuchengco Group of Companies, Coca-Cola under its Live Positively platform, LG, Honda and Arthaland.
WWF-Philippines, also known as Kabang Kalikasan ng Pilipinas (KKP), has been working as a national organization of the WWF network since 1997. The organization implements conservation and development projects in 11 provinces and at least 15 project sites: from the far north in the Babuyan Islands, to the southernmost tip, the Turtle Islands in Tawi-Tawi.
On a national scale, WWF advocates for appropriate environmental policies, engages corporations for sustainable business, and conducts environmental education activities in Metro Manila and other key cities and towns.
