CCC chairman Robert Borje (right) and commissioner Albert Dela Cruz at a media forum. (Photo from the Philippine News Agency)
MALACAÑAN, Manila — With the adverse impact of the El Niño now being felt in most parts of the country, treeless urban areas are now seen to face an even more intensified 50 degrees Celsius heat index, according to the Climate Change Commission (CCC).
In a statement, CCC vice chairperson and executive director Undersecretary Robert E.A. Borje cited that heat index in cities and towns with limited tree cover could reach 45 to 50 degrees Celsius during this year’s severe El Niño projected to last until the middle if next year.
In support, CCC commissioner Albert Dela Cruz also disclosed that the super El Niño phenomenon, expected to start this month, is so far the “most severe” that the Philippines may experience.
“Ito po iyong pinaka-bad at ito iyong pinakamatindi sa tala ng (kasaysayan),” Dela Cruz announced candidly in Pilipino.
He noted that sea surface temperatures could increase by 1.5 degrees Celsius during super El Niño, which could exacerbate atmospheric conditions and drive up the heat index.
“From this, residents of urban areas where there is little greenery to deflect the heat may experience dangerous levels of heat,” he noted.
“Kasama na d’yan iyong mga lumot. Iyong mga nasa pader na lumot, kasama iyong mga grasses, kailangan hindi inaalis iyan. Kapag walang puno, walang grasses, walang lumot at walang tubig, walang sasalo. Ang sasalo d’yan ay mga tao at mga animals,” Dela Cruz pointed out.
The commissioner explained that heat bounces off concrete walls in urban jungles, making people living in cities more vulnerable to heat stroke during super El Niño.
Due to this, he urged the public to preserve any remaining “greens” in the urban jungle, including moss and grasses.
“Kung mayroon kayong nakitang pader na mayroong green, dati-dati nililinis natin iyong lumot. Huwag nating alisin iyan. Kasama na iyong mga sa sidewalk. Kung minsan sa mga sidewalk natin makikita natin may mga lumot huwag ho nating alisin iyan,” he strongly advised.
Dela Cruz likewise pushed for the installation of misting systems and public cooling and hydration systems in busy and populated areas.
