Large declines of Humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) are observed by fishermen coming from five marine key biodiversity areas in the PhilippinesIn the Philippine settingAs one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change, the Philippines, whose economic well-being heavily depends on its rich biodiversity, will also be one of the hardest-hit nations by the Sixth Great Extinction. The impacts of climate change on the ongoing extinction period are manifested on all environments, threatening the numerous endemic species that the country hosts.For instance, the rapid decrease in forest cover due to agriculture and infrastructure development in the country has not only deprived countless endemic species of birds such as the Philippine Eagle and the Walden’s hornbill of their natural habitat; it also removes an important absorber of carbon dioxide from our atmosphere. This leads to higher temperatures which, along with changing rainfall trends, cause a change in migration patterns, thereby affecting the ability of species to produce offspring. It also forces birds and other wildlife to find new homes in higher-elevated, cooler habitats. However, their prey may not move as quickly, further pushing them to the brink of extinction.This domino effect of extinction is even more evident in oceans which occupy three-quarters of the world. Gore remarked that of all the carbon dioxide emitted into our atmosphere, 93 percent of it goes into the oceans, causing an increase in sea surface temperatures. It also leads to ocean acidification, which prevents the formation of calcium carbonate that is needed by the shells of coral reefs. These lead to coral bleaching that eventually leave them more vulnerable to degradation. The destruction of corals which serve as breeding grounds for many aquatic specie cause a shift in the migration and reproduction of many fish species which will also affect the large aquatic mammals and fishes that rely on them as food. The decline of the entire marine food chain will lead to a rapid decline of fisheries in the Philippines, threatening the livelihoods of fishers and our food supply.It is human nature for us to immediately respond to forces directly threatening our way of life. However, it is time to recognize that climate change is a much bigger problem than what we realize at face value. If we do not act quickly enough to preserve our world, we ourselves might become a part of the Sixth Great Extinction.The only way to prevent this is by acting individually in our daily lives and acting collectively by supporting movements, organizations, and policies that help mitigate climate change impacts.The Haribon Foundation provides a number of learning sessions and educational materials to the public through its Membership program. Members learn everything from how to plant trees to proper waste-management practices. Hundreds of members and volunteers also aid in tree plantings year after year from June to November, leaving behind forests that can take in more and more carbon from our planet’s atmosphere, and bringing back more of the Philippines’ precious biodiversity which act as barometers to the health of our natural resources.As Al Gore said to end the Climate Reality Training event, “Do not lose your grip. Hold on”. The best way to do this is to take hold of already existing solutions that we must act upon every day.* * *Want to help advocate and represent for our environment? Become a Haribon member and share your skills and passion for the greater good. Haribon membership transforms regular citizens into biodiversity champions. They protect, conserve, and save biodiversity while forming lasting friendships with other environmental advocates. Register at bit.ly/joinHF, e-mail: membership@haribon.org.ph, or call 421-1209.
