In celebration of the Month of the Ocean this May and the upcoming World Environment Day this June 5th, young Filipino environmental advocates gathered virtually to promote meaningful youth engagement in environmental conservation, protection, and restoration on the 46th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Pinoy Changemakers.”
The episode, hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, aired on Thursday, 27 May 2021, via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.
Environmental advocates Antoinette Taus, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Goodwill Ambassador and founder of CORA and The Sustainable Planet; Carmela Ellaga, Fisheries Technologist; Gab Mejia, a conservation photographer and environmental storyteller; and Ranielle Navarro, a teacher from Albay Central School and 2021 NatGeo awardee, joined the online conversation.
In previous episodes, the online series tackled how youth leaders are driving and sustaining their climate initiatives amid the pandemic and shared climate-friendly technologies and sustainable entrepreneurial ventures in the areas of renewable energy, and ecological solid waste management, among other climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.
This episode featured and recognized environmental advocacies initiated by young Filipinos, and encouraged audiences – especially the youth – to harness the power of creativity and technology to become changemakers towards a better normal for people and the planet.
As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, "Stories for a Better Normal" aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.
This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.