PAGASA warns of El Niño by yearend

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of a possible El Niño by the end of the year.

The recent forecast from PAGASA shows that the chances of El Niño Phenomenon to develop increased by 60 percent.

It noted on its June climate outlook that majority of the international weather models suggest that El Niño may possibly occur towards the end of the year.

According to PAGASA, the La Niña episode ended last April and conditions over the Pacific has returned to normal. The weather bureau predicted that this neutral condition may persist until August.

For environmentalist Vince Cinches, this event is an obvious indication of climate change.

Cinches, who currently works for environmental organization Greenpeace, said the increasing frequency and gravity of these natural phenomena is certainly an indication of climate change. He considered these events to be alarming and a "dangerous cocktail."

Cinches said people can expect more death and damage due to natural hazards (like flooding and landslide) brought about by the current state of the environment.

Risks are even worsening because of human activities like urbanization that caused denuded mountains; reclamation projects that affect mangroves and corals; building constructions that obstruct rivers or natural drainage.

Cinches suggested that people should act now to address this prevailing environmental problem.

He said it is important to invest more on mitigation and adaptation measures and base from facts or data in order to respond effectively.

He said people should eliminate destructive activities such as mining, and coal-fired power plants, among others. —/FPL (FREEMAN)