C limate change is an impending crisis. Research & development (R&D), on the other hand, is a creative work, undertaken on a systematic basis, in order to increase the stock of knowledge and its use. What do they have in common? They both need urgent attention now.

* On March 6, 2009, Friday, EARTH Institute Asia, Inc. and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada, in collaboration with various organizations, will launch the New Regional Climate Change Vulnerability Map for Southeast Asia.  The map shows that ALL the regions of the Philippines are among the most vulnerable regions in Southeast Asia. Are you aware of this? For more details please read New Regional Climate-Change Vulnerability Map for Launching in Manila on March 6th

The map is the result of R&D, a function that receives little attention in this country, even without any financial crisis. Few professionals are involved in R&D. Research facilities are sorely lacking. Funding is minimal.

But R&D is an investment in the future, in the country’s sustainability and growth. It is crucial for understanding climate change, the most pressing issue affecting planet Earth. IDRC helps in this effort by collaborating with researchers from the developing world. The climate change vulnerability map is one product of such collaboration.

Hear more about the need to attend to climate change and R&D now, how IDRC helps, and what the government is doing on these two issues. Tune in or watch Kalikasan, Kaunlaran! (KK!) on March 4, 2009, Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at DZRH-AM radio (666 in Metro Manila, other kHz nationwide), TV (Channel 9 in Metro Manila and other cable TV channels nationwide).
The talk show can also be accessed on the Internet  at http://dzrh.tripod.com or http://dzrh.prepys.com.

G uests are Richard Fuchs, Regional Director, IDRC Regional Office for Southeast & East Asia, Singapore; Dr. Herminia Francisco, Director, Economy and Environment Program for Southeast Asia, IDRC Regional Office; and Dr. Flaviena Hilario, Weather Services Chief, Climatology and Agro Meteorology Division, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). EARTH Institute Asia President Dr. Cora Claudio will moderate the discussion in conversational Tagalog-English.

Hear more about climate change and R&D now, how IDRC helps, and what the government is doing on these two issues. Tune in or watch Kalikasan, Kaunlaran! talk show on March 4, 2009, Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at DZRH-AM radio (666 in Metro Manila, other kHz nationwide), TV (Channel 9 in Metro Manila, other cable TV channels nationwide), and Internet (http://dzrh.tripod.com or http://dzrh.prepys.com

Join the contests, campaigns and projects of EARTH/KK! To join all, register as a KK! listener by texting 2299: earth<space>your message.  

KK! co-producers are EARTH Inst. Asia and DZRH, with the support of Unilever, Unilab, Manila Water, Pilipinas Shell, FERN, Inc., Toby's Sports, Delbros Supply Chain Solutions, Yehey.Com, MAP, and Brahma Kumaris, and with the cooperation of GREEN Army, PFST, TOWNS, PBE, AIJC, PEIA, DENR, MabuhayRadio.com, SanibLakas, and various egroups and environment-caring groups/individuals..  

Inquiries: 671-3266, 0917- 829-1718, earthinstitute@gmail.com. # # #