The environment has encountered and continues to face numerous challenges, including pollution, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. These issues exemplify the significant hardships experienced on Earth. These problems persist daily, causing considerable harm to humans, animals, and the environment.
Many individuals wonder about their capacity to make a difference in such a vast problem. This sentiment often leads to questions like, "Why should I bother when my actions seem insignificant?"
The DLSU SHS Student Council is passionate about empowering individuals like you to make a difference in the environment, no matter how big or small you perceive your actions. Every effort counts, as even the smallest steps towards sustainability can create a significant impact. The Green Action Alliance encourages individuals to contribute to environmental preservation in any way they can, recognizing that every action, no matter how small, has an impact. Whether reducing waste, conserving energy, or advocating for eco-friendly practices, every action matters. At De La Salle University, the community of individuals deeply cares about the environment and is committed to safeguarding it for future generations. In 2013, DLSU-M implemented the De La Salle Sustainability Policy, which promotes sustainability in all its current and future undertakings. The Student Council continues to reflect the nature of Lasallians through this project. The Green Action Alliance is a testament to our university's dedication to environmental activism and sustainability. It aims to educate students, foster behavioral change, and cultivate a sense of responsibility, encouraging a more environmentally conscious community.
Additionally, there are also other organizations supporting sustainability efforts, such as:
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines
Since 1997, this organization has been a prominent global advocate for the environment, addressing food, wildlife, and hydrological challenges. The Philippines has a lot of endangered species that need protection like the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), Tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis), Philippine Tarsier (Carlito syrichta), Visayan Spotted Deer (Rusa alfredi), Philippine Crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis), etc. and this organization is committed to preserving and protecting those species. Not only have they helped the environment, but they also support disadvantaged communities in the Philippines by catering to livelihood programs.
Waves for Water
There are a number of water-prominent areas in the Philippines that are not essentially what you would call "clean." The Waves for Water's mission is to ensure that people in the Philippines can access clean water. It primarily focuses on providing clean water for local and global populations and acknowledges the importance of environmental conservation. They collaborate with community leaders to do these tasks.
The Climate Reality Project Philippines
Filipinos have indeed noticed the immense change in the climate over the years and are affected by it. This proves the need for organizations to voice out the climate change problems that we are currently facing. Addressing climate change is a monumental challenge, and The Climate Reality Project Philippines stands as a collective of Filipino climate activists working in partnership with the government and civil society organizations.
Therefore, the Green Action Alliance, alongside other organizations advocating for a healthier environment for future generations, serves as a testament to the collective voice and dedication of individuals striving for a better future, not just for themselves but also for the upcoming generations of our planet.
The Significance of Sustainability for University Students
Sustainability has emerged as a paramount concern for university students globally, as they recognize the imperative of addressing environmental issues to secure a livable future for future generations (Miller & Spoolman, 2020). This recognition stems from a profound understanding of the interconnectedness between human activity and the planet's health. Students witness firsthand the devastating impacts of climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction, both globally and locally, fueling their determination to champion sustainability and drive positive change. Moreover, sustainability resonates deeply with students because it embodies hope, offering a pathway toward resilience, adaptation, and renewal. By embracing sustainability, students enrich their own lives and contribute to the well-being of the planet and all its inhabitants, ensuring a legacy of sustainability for posterity.
Global Environmental Challenges
The world faces formidable environmental hurdles, encompassing climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. Recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessments sound the alarm, emphasizing that global temperatures could skyrocket beyond the critical threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius without immediate intervention. This ominous trajectory threatens catastrophic repercussions, from intensified storms and rising sea levels to widespread habitat loss, imperiling ecosystems and human communities (IPCC, 2018). Simultaneously, the World Wildlife Fund's Living Planet Report unveils a sobering reality: a precipitous decline in global wildlife populations. Human activities, including habitat destruction and pollution, are the primary reason behind this alarming trend (WWF, 2020). This dire landscape underscores the urgent imperative for coordinated, decisive action to safeguard our planet's future and the myriad life forms it sustains.
Local Environmental Concerns
At a local level, the Philippines faces a multitude of environmental challenges. The rapid pace of urbanization, coupled with inadequate waste management infrastructure, has engendered widespread air, water, and soil pollution, casting a shadow over the nation's environmental health (ADB, 2020). Additionally, the Philippines' diverse ecosystems, including its coral reefs and mangrove forests, face imminent peril from unsustainable fishing practices, coastal development, and the devastating impacts of climate change-induced coral bleaching (DENR, 2019). Moreover, rampant deforestation and land conversion for agricultural and urban purposes exacerbate soil erosion, heightening the vulnerability of communities to natural hazards such as floods and landslides (Paje, 2016). These localized environmental crises underscore the pressing need for concerted efforts to mitigate their impacts and foster sustainable development practices tailored to the Philippine context.
Conclusion on Sustainability
The significance of sustainability for university students cannot be overstated, resonating deeply for several compelling reasons. Firstly, as the torchbearers of the future, students keenly recognize their pivotal role as leaders, policymakers, and innovators in advocating for and implementing feasible solutions to combat environmental degradation and safeguard the health of our planet (Wiek et al., 2011). Universities serve as fertile grounds for knowledge exchange, innovation, and activism, empowering students to catalyze positive change through interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement (Ferraro et al., 2018). Moreover, sustainability intersects profoundly with social justice and equity principles, as marginalized communities disproportionately bear the brunt of environmental degradation and climate impacts (Bullard, 2018). By championing environmental preservation initiatives, students can address systemic injustices and cultivate inclusive, resilient societies that prioritize the needs of all its people (Levkoe et al., 2016). Lastly, embracing sustainability nurtures students' personal and professional growth, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills essential for navigating today's complex and interconnected world with confidence and efficacy (Wals & Corcoran, 2012). This approach to education equips students to thrive in their academic pursuits and become effective agents of positive change in society.
Hence, sustainability stands as a beacon of hope amidst the daunting environmental challenges we face. By immersing in understanding the intricacy of global and local ecological contexts and embracing sustainability as a guiding principle, students become catalysts for transformative change. Armed with knowledge, passion, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, they forge a path toward a future where equity, resilience, and sustainability intertwine harmoniously. The choices we make today shape the world of tomorrow, and together, we have the power to create a future that is not only sustainable but genuinely remarkable.