In review and in prospect
Hot weather is nothing new to Filipinos yet many never quite get used to it despite having grown up in their tropical climate. Yet, in recent weeks, temperatures have soared to unprecedented levels and it is likely that these conditions can only get worse.
By now any effort to reduce fossil fuel emissions will have little effect on the trend towards hotter weather which had over some time been gathering inertia. What's in store for the Philippines’ teeming cities can only be further misery. Those who can will turn up their air conditioning. Most will have no option but to suffer the heat.
Air conditioning is certainly no solution. It works by removing heat from rooms and buildings and blowing this heat out as exhaust into the environment. While air conditioners cool the insides of buildings and homes, they contribute to the heat outside. Add to that the fact that these are energy guzzling appliances that further increase demand for energy much of which is still generated by burning fossil fuels in the Philippines. It doesn't help that these fuels are almost entirely imported.
It remains to be seen what measures can yet be taken over the mid- to long-term to mitigate the effects of hot weather on Philippine society and industry. Metro Manila is one of the world's densest cities and is famous for lacking enough greenery to provide some refuge for many of its residents from their stifling living conditions. Even outside of its cities, much of the country's once-lush forest cover had been decimated by a century of wanton exploitation and abuse. More disturbing is how an already food-insecure country may see what remains of its ability to produce food domestically further crushed by the onslaught of climate change.
Last week's blog posts
Inday’s Presidential Ambition is In-dead
July 31, 2023 by Oman
"Inday Sara Duterte’s hope of winning the presidency appears to be fading rapidly. The betrayal of her running mate, implication in extrajudicial killings, declining popularity, the legacy of her father’s administration, and the competitive political landscape all contribute to this downfall."
Does celibacy make Catholic priests mentally ill?
July 30, 2023 by benign0
"Members of the clergy sit in many schools as guidance counselors, are consulted by politicians when crafting legislation related to reproductive health and divorce, and are even regarded by many Filipino couples as marriage and relationship counselors."
Priests who mix politics with religion are the cancers of Philippine society
July 29, 2023 by benign0
"Catholic priests continue to abuse the captive audience they enjoy during their Sunday masses and other liturgical services — rituals that many Filipinos still participate in. They lace their homilies with political agendas and emotionally blackmail and gaslight their congregations..."
Inday Sara’s Cosplay and Snub By BBM
July 29, 2023 by Oman
"I also feel both pity and sense of relief for President Bongbong Marcos. I pity him for having to put up with Inday Sara, as it was necessary for him to create a political alliance with her..."
Continued Shrinking of VP Inday Sara’s Political Capital
July 26, 2023 by Oman
"...her attempt at wrestling power from President Bongbong Marcos through a coup of the House Speaker and then an impeachment complaint that would lead to his ouster mortally damaged her relations with the incumbent administration."
Why Are You So Proud Of That World Cup Win ?
July 26, 2023 by Gogs
"It seems to me not one of them was born in this country or went to a school that raised the same flag that they now wear on their person. It is taking me a few days to write this and I just found the Philippines beat host New Zealand 1-0. Goal scored by Sarina Isabel Bolden. Born in California..."