Environmental groups and government agencies in Tagum City are set to host the 1st Urban Development Summit at the City Government Center of Tagum City to tackle sustainable green spaces as a means to addressing global warming and climate change.
Clint Calledo, environment Planner and coordinator of Tagum Urban said on Monday, global warming is an existential threat to humanity.
“It is undoubtedly justified that today, climate change is one of the topics that being highlighted in developmental planning,” he said.
During the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Calledo underscored that the increase in temperature in the environment is due to the rapid urbanization in developing countries as well as heavy industrialization in the developed nations.
“While urbanization is good for progress, undamaged development can lead to urban sprawl and congestion. At the same time it also poses a threat on agricultural production due to land classification and conversion,” Calledo explained.
He also noted losses to land resources due to erosion storm surges, sea water rise, flooding, rain induce landslides and drought as being experienced within the city.
According to Calledo, the 10-year Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP 2018-2028) of Tgaum will serve as tool to oversee the development plans in terms of adaption and mitigation as it is the framework in strengthening the resiliency of the city in climate change through urban plans and design.
Chinkee Pelino-Golle, IDIS executive director, said urbanization has changed the natural landscapes of cities. Conservation initiatives then should go beyond the upland areas to include urban area where the majority of the population reside.
She added that the summit aims to manage the development of the city and to encourage local government of the region to use green infrastructure in urban sites.
“This summit will serve as environmental awareness of environmental advocacies and sectors,” Golle said.
