Negros Occ. (25 November) -- The effects of Climate Change are now taking place in our backyard calling for drastic moves to mitigate its effects and adapt to the changes it bring.

In an interview over DYKB "Tuhuy sa Imo" of the Philippine Information Agency, Elmer Espeja of the Provincial Environment and Management Office (PEMO) said harmful gases released by mans' activities are among the causes of climate change.

He said heavy flooding in most LGUs in the province and the recent cracks on the mountains of Moises Padilla are just some a few signs of the phenomena.

The unusual heat, despite having a rainy weather, is also an indication of the global warming that goes with climate change because the heat generated on land is being trapped by greenhouse gases making it difficult to escape the atmosphere.

The greenhouse gases responsible for climate change and global warming are : Carbon dioxide- released from using fossil fuel that runs cars, electric plants and factories; methane- from decomposing garbage, mining and transporting coal, nitrous oxide- released by industries and from burning fossil fuels and garbage that stays in the atmosphere for 200 years and halocarbons- from use of synthetic gases used by industries in producing aerosol sprays, refrigerants, foam plastics, solvent, cleaners and coolants and other plastic products.

He urged the public to contribute in the reduction of carbon emission by planting trees, wise use of vehicles and proper management of garbage that requires developing positive habits.

The provincial government is now creating structures, consolidating materials and developing strategies so that it can come up with an agenda for Negros Occ. that will direct its over-all efforts to deal with climate change, he told PIA.