Travel Essay
Research Question
How are the effects of climate change impacting the Philippines and Southeast Asia?
My awareness and attention to the effects of climate change in the Philippines was sparked in 2013 with Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). During that time, the Filipino communities in Southern California collected funds to aid the Filipino people who experienced extensive devastation in the region. The Philippines suffered a tragic loss of over 6,300 lives, and the displacement of people due to Haiyan; it is considered one of the deadliest in recorded history. As I prepared for my TGC visit, I began to research climate issues and became aware of the vulnerability of the Philippines due to its geographic location, compounded by climate change. Scientific data and research have continued to predict the severity of global climate change.
I was placed in Calamba, Laguna approximately an hour outside of Manila at Mary Help of Christians College (Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco). I spoke with several teachers and families about Haiyan, and they expressed that it was one of the worst storms for the people in Tacloban. The Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco Community worked together to provide survival packs and food for victims of the typhoon. I observed the strong sense of community between the students, teachers, families, administrators, and staff.
Many deaths by Haiyan could have been avoided through evacuation. However, the seriousness of the storm surges was not anticipated by the people. What measures will be in place to educate the community about the seriousness of storms/typhoons? Will central warning stations be developed? Which methods of communication will be developed to ensure safety measures for all?
I asked teachers and parents about noticeable patterns in local climate change. I was provided with anecdotal observations reporting numerous changes in the environment since their childhood. They spoke about the delayed ripening of fruits and vegetables, and the reduced size of coconuts overtime. Additionally, many complained about the cost of fruits and the reduction in size. They also commented on the increased frequency and intensity of the tropical storms within the last decade.
The effects of climate change are felt worldwide, particularly in Asia, Africa and parts of South America. Prior to visiting the Philippines, I became interested in the ecological as well as economic effects upon the region. Since I am a biology teacher, I was interested in the changes within ecosystems to native species, the availability of food, and health concerns. Prior to leaving the United States, I obtained malarial pills to protect myself from the possibility of contracting malaria. I was surprised to see a large sign, showing a mosquito and a message of Dengue Fever Awareness. The poster sparked my interest in the frequency and occurrence of Dengue Fever. Has climate change contributed to the rise in Dengue Fever?
Upon my arrival to the Philippines I soon became aware of the wonderful culture, and food within the region of Calamba, Laguna. I soon learned that rice is an important staple crop to the Philippines and throughout Asia. The saying, “Rice is Life” is apparent throughout the country. Students and families confirmed my observation by adding that a meal must include rice or it is considered a snack! My idea of a snack is a piece of fruit or a bag or a granola bar…I soon learned that a snack is much more; it is my definition of a meal, only without rice!
I had the opportunity to visit the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Banos. During the tour of the extensive research facility, I was introduced to the numerous varieties of rice and the development of drought, salt-water, and disease resistant rice. Additionally, I toured a lab where we were introduced to genetically modified rice developed to improve global nutrition.
Climate Ready Rice:
http://irri.org/our-work/research/better-rice-varieties/climate-change-ready-rice
The Philippines were a major exporter of rice and have lost that position to Thailand. Presently, the Philippines imports most of its rice and has found the prices to continue to rise. Filipino farmers produce enough for their families but cannot survive. Rice is a major staple crop to Asia, and has been cultivated for over 2000 years. While touring IRRI I learned how rice farming contributes to greenhouse gases through the production of methane. This is a major concern, since Asia is dependent upon rice production and will require larger yields to maintain a growing population. IRRI is also researching methods to reduce methane production.
Since visiting IRRI my awareness to rice research was elevated. Previously, I did not realize the global importance of rice and the complex paradox facing rice production. I will provide students with real world applications of biological research and its global significance. Additionally, I plan to organize a hunger banquet to demonstrate and raise awareness of global hunger issues.
Research Question
How are the effects of climate change impacting the Philippines and Southeast Asia?
My awareness and attention to the effects of climate change in the Philippines was sparked in 2013 with Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). During that time, the Filipino communities in Southern California collected funds to aid the Filipino people who experienced extensive devastation in the region. The Philippines suffered a tragic loss of over 6,300 lives, and the displacement of people due to Haiyan; it is considered one of the deadliest in recorded history. As I prepared for my TGC visit, I began to research climate issues and became aware of the vulnerability of the Philippines due to its geographic location, compounded by climate change. Scientific data and research have continued to predict the severity of global climate change.
I was placed in Calamba, Laguna approximately an hour outside of Manila at Mary Help of Christians College (Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco). I spoke with several teachers and families about Haiyan, and they expressed that it was one of the worst storms for the people in Tacloban. The Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco Community worked together to provide survival packs and food for victims of the typhoon. I observed the strong sense of community between the students, teachers, families, administrators, and staff.
Many deaths by Haiyan could have been avoided through evacuation. However, the seriousness of the storm surges was not anticipated by the people. What measures will be in place to educate the community about the seriousness of storms/typhoons? Will central warning stations be developed? Which methods of communication will be developed to ensure safety measures for all?
I asked teachers and parents about noticeable patterns in local climate change. I was provided with anecdotal observations reporting numerous changes in the environment since their childhood. They spoke about the delayed ripening of fruits and vegetables, and the reduced size of coconuts overtime. Additionally, many complained about the cost of fruits and the reduction in size. They also commented on the increased frequency and intensity of the tropical storms within the last decade.
The effects of climate change are felt worldwide, particularly in Asia, Africa and parts of South America. Prior to visiting the Philippines, I became interested in the ecological as well as economic effects upon the region. Since I am a biology teacher, I was interested in the changes within ecosystems to native species, the availability of food, and health concerns. Prior to leaving the United States, I obtained malarial pills to protect myself from the possibility of contracting malaria. I was surprised to see a large sign, showing a mosquito and a message of Dengue Fever Awareness. The poster sparked my interest in the frequency and occurrence of Dengue Fever. Has climate change contributed to the rise in Dengue Fever?
Upon my arrival to the Philippines I soon became aware of the wonderful culture, and food within the region of Calamba, Laguna. I soon learned that rice is an important staple crop to the Philippines and throughout Asia. The saying, “Rice is Life” is apparent throughout the country. Students and families confirmed my observation by adding that a meal must include rice or it is considered a snack! My idea of a snack is a piece of fruit or a bag or a granola bar…I soon learned that a snack is much more; it is my definition of a meal, only without rice!
I had the opportunity to visit the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Banos. During the tour of the extensive research facility, I was introduced to the numerous varieties of rice and the development of drought, salt-water, and disease resistant rice. Additionally, I toured a lab where we were introduced to genetically modified rice developed to improve global nutrition.
Climate Ready Rice:
http://irri.org/our-work/research/better-rice-varieties/climate-change-ready-rice
The Philippines were a major exporter of rice and have lost that position to Thailand. Presently, the Philippines imports most of its rice and has found the prices to continue to rise. Filipino farmers produce enough for their families but cannot survive. Rice is a major staple crop to Asia, and has been cultivated for over 2000 years. While touring IRRI I learned how rice farming contributes to greenhouse gases through the production of methane. This is a major concern, since Asia is dependent upon rice production and will require larger yields to maintain a growing population. IRRI is also researching methods to reduce methane production.
Since visiting IRRI my awareness to rice research was elevated. Previously, I did not realize the global importance of rice and the complex paradox facing rice production. I will provide students with real world applications of biological research and its global significance. Additionally, I plan to organize a hunger banquet to demonstrate and raise awareness of global hunger issues.