September 26, 2009.It was an ordinary day for Filipinos residing in Luzon especially in Metro Manila. It was raining yet people were still doing the usual things. For 9 hours, it rained and rained; flood covered the entire community. Then, we all knew it was the manifestation of typhoon Ondoy's wrath. It was then followed by devastation caused by typhoon Pepeng, Ramil, Santi and Tino.
Climate Change has threatened humanity. According to reports, 150,000 people die a year because of flood, typhoon, earthquake and other calamities due to its effect. And, those effects are caused by the interminable abuse of people in Mother Nature, our home. We don't want to experience another calamity, right?
Today, we are living in a fast pace world. Thanks to the innovation of Information Technology. If it weren't for Information Technology, we couldn't communicate with our loved ones outside the country just a few clicks and types away. We couldn't play internet virtual games which are now loved by many youngsters. We could not search for information for our projects and research papers without flipping through thick pages of encyclopedias. We owe it all to Information Technology.
The ICT sector contributes 2% of the global greenhouse gas emissions. But, news isn't complete without the good one. The good news is that its products and services could diminish an estimated 15% of the emissions when it is applied in industry, transportation. buildings and power sectors.
Greenpeace, an independent global campaigning organization, conducted the Cool IT Challenge. They called big companies such as IBM, Google and Microsoft to lead the challenge. They were chosen because they have great potential. They can create new markets, improve products, give jobs to unemployed and make money. There would also be no doubt politicians would support them.
Computers bearing the "Energy Star" sign are programmed to be in sleep mode or low power mode when not in use. In that way, the energy used drops down to 15 watts compared to a hundred when fully active. LCDs are also used as computer display screens because it is 30 to 50 percent more energy efficient. Greenpeace presented climate solutions to the IT industry. And, all they need to do is to implement it. They need to implement improved videoconferencing, smart power grids and competent production and logistics.
The power to rebuild the world is right at our fingertips. Through the help of technology and our collective effort, we can succeed. By posting shoutouts or status in our social networking sites, making a blog, creating a video regarding global awareness, we can start the step to change. Ondoy's aftermath caused flood of support from people in online communities. Some people even joined online auctions and promised that the proceeds will go to the victims. We can feel the eagerness of people to help not only in foundations and organizations but also online.
Genesis 1:1 and Acts 17:24 states that God made the heavens and the earth, everything in it. The world we are living is not ours. We are given the responsibility to take care of it. Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that there is a season for everything and a time for every matter under heaven. There was a time that we killed the environment, slowly day by day. Now is the time to heal it. there was a time that we broke down and destroyed the world. Now is the time to rebuild it. Let us join the cause. Let us make our home, our world, our planet a better place. Let us not allow another typhoon to ruin us once more. Most of all, let us make God happy.
Wouldn't it be beautiful if we wake up in the morning seeing the verdant hills, hearing the rush of water and smelling the freshest air while living in a world of comfort? We can do it God's way. We can do it the "techie" way.
:)
