TAKING ACTION ON
CLIMATE CHANGE
in the PHILIPPINES
1 INTRODUCTION
In this generation, climate change has become a global crisis, affecting nearly every aspect of life
worldwide. Our country, the Philippines, is a tropical country and traditionally experiences only two
seasons: the rainy and dry seasons. However, due to climate change, our nation is now facing more
irregular weather patterns, including intense storms, longer droughts, and unpredictable temperature
shifts. These changes greatly affected the productivity of various industries, particularly agriculture,
which is highly vulnerable to these environmental changes.
2 CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS
The Philippines, a nation nestled in the Pacific
Ocean, is acutely vulnerable to the escalating
impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels pose a
significant threat, eroding coastlines and
inundating
low-lying
areas,
displacing
communities, and damaging infrastructure. The
archipelago is also experiencing more frequent
and intense typhoons, leading to devastating
floods, landslides, and widespread destruction.
Furthermore,
shifting
rainfall
patterns,
characterized by prolonged droughts and intense
rainfall events, disrupt agriculture, water
resources, and ecological balance. These climateinduced
challenges
have
far-reaching
consequences, including economic loss, food
insecurity, displacement, and heightened health
risks. To safeguard its future, the Philippines must
prioritize climate adaptation and mitigation
strategies, such as investing in resilient
infrastructure, promoting sustainable practices,
and transitioning to clean energy sources.
3 VULNERABILITY TO
CLIMATE RISKS
As a nation made up of islands, the
Philippines is especially susceptible to
the negative consequences of climate
change.
Coastal communities are at the
forefront of this vulnerability, facing the
imminent threats of sea-level rise,
coastal erosion, and powerful storm
surges. These phenomena can lead to
displacement, loss of livelihoods, and
damage to critical infrastructure.
Additionally, the agricultural sector is
highly susceptible to climate change
impacts, such as changing rainfall
patterns, increased temperatures, and
saltwater intrusion. These factors can
disrupt crop cycles, reduce yields, and
compromise food security. Furthermore,
water resources are under significant
stress due to climate change. Droughts,
floods, and water pollution can
exacerbate water scarcity and
compromise water quality.
Other sectors, including fisheries,
tourism, and infrastructure, are also at
risk from climate-related hazards. To
mitigate
these
challenges,
the
Philippines requires a comprehensive
and integrated approach to climate
change adaptation and mitigation.
LET’S TAKE
ACTION
ON
CLIMATE
CHANGE
4 ADAPTATION STRATEGIES
The conference of parties to the united nations
framework (UNFCCC) helps in aiding the
philippines in determining their vulnerabilities,
Climate change risk, and addressing adaptations.
The UNFCCC helps establish the nation with the
National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and here are he
following objectives:
IDENTIFY PRIORITY HIGH-RISK
CLIMATE CHANGE VULNERABLE
AREAS IN THE PHILIPPINES
PROVIDE GUIDANCE ON
INTEGRATING ADAPTATION
CONSIDERATIONS
HARMONIZE NATUONAL
STRATEGIES WITH
INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENTS
Parties encourage those to engage in activities
and programs that helps reduce our country
vulnerability against climate change, or
programs that are developed by the government.
Our Philippine's NAP aims to reduce vulnerability
to the impacts of climate change, By building
facilities and projects that will helo contribute by
reducing the impacts of climate change
5 MITIGATION STRATEGIES
The National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP)
focuses on prioritizing food security, water
sufficiency, and ecological and environmental
stability. It outlines strategies to mitigate the
effects of climate change, including assessing
vulnerability,
strengthening
capacity-building
efforts,
and
developing
a
comprehensive
framework for global collaboration in managing
climate change. Additionally, the plan emphasizes
integrating climate change risks into national
programs and infrastructure to ensure long-term
resilience.
TAKING ACTION ON
CLIMATE CHANGE
in the PHILIPPINES
6 CLIMATE POLICY
AND GOVERNANCE
The Philippines has established a robust framework to
address climate change. The Climate Change
Act of 2009 serves as the cornerstone of the country's
climate
policy,
mainstreaming
climate
change
considerations into government policies and programs. It
established the Climate Change Commission (CCC), an
independent body tasked with coordinating, monitoring,
and evaluating climate change initiatives. The CCC plays
a crucial role in developing and implementing the
National Climate Change Action Plan, which outlines
strategies for both climate change mitigation and
adaptation. The Philippines has also actively participated
in international climate negotiations, advocating for
ambitious climate action and supporting global efforts to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
7 COMMUNITY ACTION
Many local communities are actively participating in protests to raise awareness about climate
change. These protests often focus on issues such as the coal industry, greenhouse gas emissions, and
the extraction of fossil fuels—key contributors to global warming. In addition to grassroots
movements, organizations like Greenpeace Philippineshave called on the government to
take stronger action. For example, Greenpeace urged President Rodrigo Duterte to declare a climate
emergency and prioritize environmental protection. Other community initiatives include efforts to
educate children, inspiring them to play a role in creating a more sustainable future.
8 CALL TO ACTION
9 CONCLUSION
Climate change has clearly demonstrated the
severe and far-reaching negative effects it can
have on our country. In light of this, there are
still meaningful actions we can take to protect
our environment. First and foremost, we must
focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
For example, transitioning to renewable energy
sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower
can significantly reduce emissions from fossil
fuels. Additionally, promoting energy-efficient
practices, like using LED lighting, improving
insulation in buildings, and investing in electric
vehicles, can further decrease our carbon
footprint. Supporting sustainable agriculture
and reducing food waste are also effective
ways to lower emissions, as agriculture is a
major source of methane and nitrous oxide.
These
actions,
along
with
stronger
environmental policies and public awareness,
can help mitigate the impact of climate change.
Ultimately, the Philippines faces severe climate
change challenges, including rising sea levels,
extreme weather events, and disruptions to
agriculture and water resources. These impacts
threaten the nation’s economy, food security,
and infrastructure, especially in vulnerable
coastal
communities.
The
government’s
initiatives, such as the National Adaptation
Plan (NAP) and the National Climate Change
Action Plan (NCCAP), are crucial for addressing
these risks through sustainable practices and
climate resilience strategies. However, urgent
action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, promote renewable energy, and
support sustainable practices. By strengthening
policies, engaging communities, and fostering
global cooperation, the Philippines and the
world can mitigate the devastating effects of
climate change and build a more resilient
future.
10 FOOTNOTES
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bclid=IwY2xjawHNNNtleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHT37x50ouZ50_B57IPIkoO_VQ2LUoHjH_MTMF
Hd0M88MtHmudJ_vw8lSmA_aem_Wcji2CtEDDBqMd1ynhgvfA
Climate risk profile: Philippines. (2024, November 25). Global Climate Change.
https://niccdies.climate.gov.ph/climate-change-impacts?
fbclid=IwY2xjawHNNNtleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHT37x50ouZ50_B57IPIkoO_VQ2LUoHjH_MT
MFHd0M88MtHmudJ_vw8lSmA_aem_Wcji2CtEDDBqMd1ynhgvfA
BillionBricks, & BillionBricks. (2024, July 12). The impact of climate change on
biodiversity in the Philippines - BillionBricks | Net-Zero Homes.
https://billionbricks.org/blog/the-impact-of-climate-change-on-biodiversity-in-thephilippines/?
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_JbDEwRELZj9JQsXBwww_aem_vgUr92p-4Pe3hdK3LqJWhg
FAOLEX. (n.d.). Climate Change Act of 2009. https://www.fao.org/faolex/results/details/en/c/LEX
FAOC100134/fbclid=IwY2xjawHNOBtleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHUUvYLpmAaHtIiCEmoZVfevDREG
YB17_NnHidZHVgxcVPndGVe2bywvVtw_aem_MNk5AZKeXOySy74EdQ1s4w
Climate Change Commission. (n.d.-b). National Adaptation Plan. NICCDIES.
https://niccdies.climate.gov.ph/climate-reports/national-adaptation-plan?
fbclid=IwY2xjawHNOkVleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHT37x50ouZ50_B57IPIkoO_VQ2LUoHjH_MTMF
Hd0M88MtHmudJ_vw8lSmA_aem_Wcji2CtEDDBqMd1ynhgvfA#:~:text=PHILIPPINE%20NATI
ONAL%20ADAPTATION%20PLAN%20(NAP)%202023%2D2050&text=The%20Philippines'%20
NAP%20aims%20to,country's%20adaptive%20capacity%20and%20resilience
Climate Change Commission. (n.d.-c). National Climate Change Action Plan. NICCDIES.
https://niccdies.climate.gov.ph/action-plans/national-climate-change-action-plan?
fbclid=IwY2xjawHNOvFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdIXYKDhKvpfRYpTtcjJTsHm8ip5_vWAue3br0okk
FgrH5ymORspFbVlDg_aem_shTKaUgKjsyCfbTirI8N5Q#:~:text=The%20national%20climate%20
change%20framework,sustainable%20energy%2C%20and%20knowledge%20and
Philralph. (n.d.). Philippines community action. Appropedia, the Sustainability Wiki.
https://www.appropedia.org/Philippines_community_action?
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HVgxcVPndGVe2bywvVtw_aem_MNk5AZKeXOySy74EdQ1s4w
GROUP BS PSY 1 - BARKLEY
Despi, Shaina Marie
Jaena, Deo Emmanuel
Mondejar, Gerald