LEGAZPI CITY -– The workshop participants in the recently-concluded 1st National Conference on Climate Change Adaptation (NCCCA) held at the Albay Astrodome here were unanimous in saying that there’s a lack of information on climate change among the people.

        To remedy the problem, the participants, composed of scientists, national and local government officials, private sector, academe and the media, recommended that climate change be integrated as a subject in the curriculum of the elementary and the secondary schools both public and private.

        The participants were divided into seven groups under the following titles: Climate Change 101 for Group; Group2, Mainstreaming Climate and LGU Initiatives on Climate Change under Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda; Group 3, Climate Change in the Agricultural Sector, Impacts and Mitigation Measures; Group 4, CDM Framework, Existing and Emerging Modalities; Group 5, Adaptation Strategies in the Energy Sector; Group 6, Impact on Poor and Role of PO in Climate Change, and Group 7, Drafting of the Albay Declaration on Climate Change.

        Among the participants’ recommendations were: There’s a need for community-based warning system and an intensified disaster-preparedness program. There should be a comprehensive land use plan and mapping of hazard-prone areas susceptible to floods and landslides.

        Other recommendations; were improvement in meteorological and climatological forecasting; adoption of renewable sources of energy and less dependence on fossils fuels; strict implementation of laws against carbon-emitting vehicles and power plants such as the Clean Air Act; proper waste management to keep the environment clean; Implement reforestation program to conserve sources of water include-watersheds; proper conservation of natural resources for sustainable development.

        Above all, there should be adequate funding for programs and projects on climate change and the political will to implement them.