Sunday, November 20, 2011

Is time running out? - The Philippine Star » News » Entertainment

Is time running out? - The Philippine Star » News » Entertainment

Can environmental law save us?


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MANILA, Philippines - Are the numbers really becoming more alarming by the minute, by the hour, by the day? Are the deadlines truly looming larger than ever?

Experts predict that the country’s remaining virgin forests will be wiped out in 2025 — 25 years ahead of the worldwide deadline of 2050. Also in 2025, the country is said to face a shortage of clean, drinking water. By 2030, fossil fuels, which power homes, cities and industries, will see a decline. By 2050, a collapse of marine resources — a main source of livelihood and food to eat — is feared to happen.

There are experts saying that time is ticking away fast, and that the scare of environmental deadlines and failing to beat them are very real. This is what Oras Na, the latest and biggest environmental project of GMA News and Public Affairs, brings to the fore. Hosted by Richard Gutierrez, Oras Na takes viewers to places where there is tangible evidence that suggests that time may indeed be running out for resources that have been taking care for our most basic needs — from water, energy, food to shelter.

According to program manager Anj Atienza, “People are always rushing after things, but there are more important deadlines for humanity. Through Oras Na, we hope people will make the time and effort to think and care about these things.”


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