Extreme weather events continue to call upon the need for increased awareness on climate change and its impacts on social development from both the public and private sectors.  The Forum on Climate Change, Poverty, and Development that took place in Silliman University last March 20, 2015 aimed to address this need by gathering scientists, educators, policy makers, and practitioners from various sectors at the local and national levels who were able to engage in discussions and in the exchange of ideas, knowledge and expertise on climate change mitigation and adaptation measures.

Among the workshop outputs produced were proposed solutions to key challenges in the areas of poverty, livelihoods and climigration, coastal zone and biodiversity, as well as in water resources and health.

The forum ended with words from Mr. Leo Mamicpic –participant and co-founder of the environmental advocacy group called FENOR– who reflected that the event had offered something new: “a wonderful agenda that addresses a diversity of issues and realities in our nation.”  He added that the challenge now lies in the effective implementation of the outputs which is further confronted by a small workforce, and continued by encouraging his fellow agents of change to never “underestimate the common wisdom and the drive of the few.”

Proceedings of the Forum are available through this link.