The Heat is On!

Just read this on the Inquirer today. UP studies shows that Manila is getting hotter. Here's the article.

The article shows that the average temperatures of Manila has risen 2.96 degrees Celsius for the month of May. UP says that this is due to lack of vegetation, converting natural land to asphalt and concrete. Other man-made factors are use of motorized vehicles, airconditioners and other power generation equipments.

Now you don't need a study by UP to know that Manila is getting hotter. You can definitely feel it if you've lived in Manila long enough. I used to remember where we can play outside during the summer under the sun and enjoy a cool breeze in the night. But not anymore.

With so many hi-rise buildings, almost no spacing for homes, traffic, pollution and the city government turning everything into concrete. It's no surprise Manila is getting hotter.

What's with the clean and green when your definition of green is to pave the sidewalk and paint the walls green? It should be green through vegetation and not paint!

Remember Plaza Binondo? That used to be full of trees and grass, now it's tiles and concrete. What a waste of money, what a waste of nature. Mayor Atienza should have just replanted the whole thing, took out the cabana in the middle if he doesn't want squatters living in it and kept the grass and trees. It would help if he planted flowers. Hire people to take care of the plants and created a job.

Compare Manila to other countries like Singapore, Hong Kong or Canada. You see that the city planners make sure they set aside places for natural vegetation. This makes it pleasant for the eyes and reduces the amount of pollution in a given area.

But then again, I'm dreaming again. As my Mom would say. That's the other countries, this is the Philippines.