CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE RESILIENCY OF FILIPINOS

"CLIMATE CHANGE AND 

THE RESILIENCY OF FILIPINOS"

 

Climate change is by no means something distant or in the future—it is actually taking its toll significantly upon day-to-day existence in the Philippines, coming suddenly and steadily in many respects. 

One of the main causes of such a concern is the release of greenhouse gases, specifically those that originate from the combustion of coal, oil, and other carbon-based fuels that are widely used to generate electricity and power transportation sectors. The continued heating of the oceans as well as the atmosphere results in more energy that is potentially at the storms' disposal, thus making storms more powerful and intense typhoons. Also, as the years go by, the build-up of warmer temperatures introduces changes in the rainfall cycle, resulting in extended spells of drought in particular spots, yet at the same time making others experience torrential downpours that are severe and intense

Deforestation and land use changes are significantly responsible for the current environmental emergency that humanity is experiencing today. When forests are cut down for one reason or another, whether to give way to agricultural activities, to expand urban settlements, for logging concessions, or for mining activities—not only is the critical capability for carbon storage severely reduced, but the natural shields that safeguard us from dangerous weather-related events also become much weakened. Ecosystems like forests, mangroves, and coral reefs perform a fundamental role in minimizing the likelihood of flooding, cushioning the effects of the storm surge, halting soil erosion, and safeguarding the high biodiversity of the planet. Where these precious natural resources and security shields are absent, communities become much more vulnerable when disasters, inevitably, strike.

Rapid urbanization, especially in coastal and low‐lying areas, compounds these risks. Poorly planned growth often means inadequate drainage, clogged waterways, and informal settlements in hazard‐prone zones. During heavy rains, monsoons, or typhoons, water has fewer paths to drain away, increasing flooding. Rising sea levels also encroach on coastal lands, salinize groundwater, and change the dynamic of storms and tides.

More often than not, incremental changes of the progressive sort that build up over the course of years take the biggest hit at the poorest sections of society. Areas like agriculture, fishing, and others that heavily depend upon functioning and reliable ecosystems are especially sensitive to even fractional incremental changes in the conditions of climate: say, warmer days that can elicit heat stress, less reliable rainfall regimes that can jeopardize water availability, warmer oceans that can impact marine ecosystems, and moving fisheries populations that can precipitate economic uncertainty. The concomitant disruption of food supply chains, water stress, and many health risks including vector-borne diseases and heat stress become much more regular and widespread. All of these take insidiously cumulative tolls upon and undermine individuals' capabilities to cope with shifting conditions.

References
"Climate Change in the Philippines: An In-Depth Exploration of Causes, Effects, and Viable Solutions,"- Climate Impacts Tracker.

"Ecosystems at risk: Safeguard our habitats in a changing climate."- Philippine Climate Change Commission

"Climate Change in the Philippines and Its Far-reaching Impacts."- Energy Tracker Asia

"How bad is climate change hitting the Philippines?"- Greendev Solutions

"Fishing Communities in the Philippines Are Engaging in a Struggle to Secure and Protect their Future as Waters Continue to Rise,"-  Time reports.