Climate Change and Resiliency of Filipinos.


The frequency and intensity of typhoons in the Philippines, especially those that are highlighted, makes clear the destructive nature of climate change on the environment and its role in increasing poverty. As in the case of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013, it ravaged entire provinces and left thousands of people without shelter and wrecked means of making a living. In addition, rising sea levels menace coastal-based communities that make them leave their households, culture, and economic activities. Such abrupt changes tend to increase the population of the cities where most of such people settle, thereby aggravating the existing limited infrastructure and resources. To many of the Filipinos, climate change is not only environmental, it is also social and economic.



On top of these extreme events, climate change impacts, particularly temperature increase and erratic rainfall, have a bearing on agriculture, which is a major sector in the Philippines. Most farmers are unable to harvest their crops due to extreme weather events such as taking too long without rains or too much rain. This results in low earnings and hunger among the population. Another source of income for people living along the coast is the fishing industry but this is also affected by an increase in sea temperatures and coral reef bleaching that leads to reduction of fish availability. These trends are detrimental not only to the individual subsistence but to the food security of the country as well as its economy.



Furthermore, human activities result in environmental degradation that worsen the effects of climate change. Invasive activities such as illegal logging and mining take away the protective layers of forests and mountains posing a risk of soil erosion and landslides in the event of heavy downpour. The dumping of plastics creates blockages in water channels leading to floods in the cities. Pollution from vehicles and factories leads to sickness among people. These problems are made worse by lax enforcement of environmental regulations and a failure to apply sustainable urban development principles, thus encumbering communities to the impacts of climate change.



While the resolve of Filipinos under these circumstances is understandable, it cannot and should not be the only answer to the deteriorating situation. Answers and solutions could be come up by including the government, the business, and the people in a whole together in implementing measures that would encourage sustainability, enhancing disaster readiness, and incorporating renewable energy and green infrastructures. The cooperation of the international community is equally important as the Philippines is dependent on the global community to address issues related to climate change. Rebuilding after climate events is not a one time fix but a many year process that should be done to ensure posterity has a cleaner and safer environment than the one present.




In the end, the need to view things differently is at the core of solving the environmental problems that plague Filipinos. Climate change should not be seen merely as an environmental issue but rather as a social, an economic and a moral issue. Everybody, every entity, and every country has a responsibility towards limiting the amount of carbon that they emit into the atmosphere. The Philippines can turn its weakness into a strength especially through innovations, action, and ingenious ideas, proving that the resilient people can always overcome the greatest of dangers but only when they take action.


References:
• dallasnews Administrator. (2019, August 27). Philippines reeling after epic typhoon. Dallas News. Retrieved from https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2013/11/11/philippines-reeling-after-epic-typhoon/
• El Niño and climate emergency. (n.d.). El Niño and Climate Emergency. Retrieved from https://climatejustice.ph/latest-events/el-nino-and-climate-emergency-04-19-2024/
• Two contrasting scenes environmental degradation and rejuvenation showcasing the impact and important. (2024, May 29). Freepik. Retrieved from https://www.freepik.com/premium-ai-image/two-contrasting-scenes-environmental-degradation-rejuvenation-showcasing-impact-importa_208353288.htm
• EDITORYAL: Kulturang ‘Filipino Resilience’ sa gitna ng krisis at kalamidad, kailangan na nga bang itigil? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://thelookout.com.ph/article/editoryal-kulturang-filipino-resilience-sa-gitna-ng-krisis-at-kalamidad-kailangan-na-nga-bang-itigil
• Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/saveenvironmenttosaveearth/

Comments

  1. RicoDecember 12, 2024 at 10:24 PM

    Let's all work together as one, so that we can truly achieve a more resilient and peaceful country

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JansenDecember 17, 2024 at 5:29 PM

      Yes! we must unite for a better country to live in!

      Delete

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