A Wake-Up Call: The Rising Seas and Our Role in Protecting the Earth
Scrolling through Facebook on a typical day, I stumbled upon a post that stopped me in my tracks. The headline read: "Part of the Philippines Will Submerge by 2050." At first, I dismissed it as another piece of misinformation. But curiosity got the better of me, and I turned to Google.
What I found shocked me even more. According to a 2019 article from Philstar, rising seas will threaten Philippine cities and towns, potentially displacing 6.8 million people within 30 years. The reality of this hit me hard! An issue so vast and alarming yet so easy to overlook amidst the daily hustle.
A Personal Reflection
Managing two stores keeps me constantly busy, but this news left me deeply unsettled. I couldn’t stop thinking about the future we’re building or destroying for our children. Imagine living in a world where land becomes scarce, where cities we once called home vanish under the sea.
As I dug deeper into the topic, a familiar song started playing in my mind: "Masdan Mo Ang Kapaligiran" by Asin. Its haunting lyrics echoed my thoughts:
“Wala ka bang napapansin sa iyong mga kapaligiran?
Kay dumi na ng hangin pati na ang mga ilog natin.
Hindi na masama ang pag-unlad, at malayo-layo na rin ang ating narating,
Ngunit masdan mo ang tubig sa dagat, dati’y kulay asul, ngayo’y naging itim.”
The song perfectly captures the dissonance of progress at the expense of nature a reality we’ve grown too accustomed to ignoring.
Our Planet, Our Responsibility
The more I reflected, the more I realized: we are all part of the problem, but we can also be part of the solution. Our daily habits, from excessive plastic use to neglecting eco-friendly practices, have contributed to the state of our environment. We’ve evolved so quickly as a society, yet we’ve failed to consider the irreversible damage we’re doing to the only planet we have.
While managing my businesses, I’ve always tried to incorporate sustainable practices, but this revelation pushed me to think even harder about what more I can do. Not just as a business owner but as an individual.
Raising Awareness for Change
This post isn’t just a reflection; it’s a plea. We need to start making changes now, no matter how small. Whether it’s reducing plastic waste, supporting sustainable brands, or raising awareness, every effort counts.
The future depends on the choices we make today. Let’s create a world where progress doesn’t mean sacrificing our environment. Let’s ensure our children inherit a planet that’s not just livable but thriving.
I invite you to reflect, like I did, and take action. Together, we can protect the only home we have.
What steps are you taking to live more sustainably? Let’s talk about it in the comments. I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas.