While the world slept, the largest iceberg, A23a (four times the size of New York City), began drifting away from Antarctica. Although the breaking off of icebergs is a "natural" cycle, it is happening at an alarming rate, posing a threat with the potential for dire consequences due to rising sea levels.

Experts emphasize that mitigating the effects of climate change requires collective effort. This year, numerous Filipino companies demonstrated the feasibility of this approach by showcasing their ESG initiatives during the 2nd Sustainability Forum hosted by the Manila Bulletin last November. This is hopeful news. 

As the year concludes, let's review three important environmental stories that define 2023, providing insights into the planet as we move forward.

Reclamation

Reclamation, in simple terms, involves creating new land from bodies of water or elevating land levels. While not a new concept, reclamation has been ongoing worldwide for decades.

In 2023, reclamation projects in Manila Bay stirred varying opinions, raising concerns about potential disruptions to waterway outflows and environmental consequences due to what seems to be a hasty implementation process.

In response, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the suspension of these projects in August, pending a review by the DENR to ensure compliance with the law and, ultimately, the environment's well-being. We now eagerly await the results of the DENR's study and assessment of these reclamation projects.

COP28

The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) concluded this month at Expo City in Dubai with the goal of combatting "dangerous human interference with the climate system."

The 13-day climate summit prioritized financing for the Loss and Damage Fund to assist developing countries in handling disaster losses. Developed countries committed financially, with the Philippines, one of the most climate-vulnerable countries globally, now part of the Loss and Damage Fund Board.

“I believe, in the face of the climate crisis, we can and will reinforce and rediscover humanity’s greatest strength: our capacity to collaborate, to overcome differences, and to harness the power of collective action,” said COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber.

Delegates debated phasing out fossil fuels and transitioning to solar and wind energy to meet the Paris Agreement's target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The question remains: What will happen in 2024 when COP29 begins? Will it be all talk and no action, again?

The Earthshot Prize

In its third year, the Earthshot Prize awarded five eco-initiatives $1.2 million each for their environmental solutions. The awarding ceremony took place in Singapore on Nov. 7. 

Recipients included Acción Andina for Andean Forest restoration, WildAid Marine Program for ocean conservation, GRST for sustainable electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling, S4S Technologies for farmer empowerment through solar-powered dryers, and Boomitra for regenerative agriculture through a carbon-credit marketplace. Filipina Rocky Sanchez Tirona, spearheading Rare's Coastal 500, was among the finalists.