An environmental group has warned of the adverse effects of climate change in the country, citing a recent study conducted by the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) that the global phenomenon is increasing the danger of landslides.
Makakalikasan national chairman Roy J. Cabonegro said the Philippines is already experiencing the extreme effects as a result of climate change, including drought, massive flooding and even landslides.
“One by one, we are moving beyond the point of no return on climate impacts,” said Cabonegro, whose group advocates for deep communitarian ecologism.
In presenting his viewpoint on the interconnectedness between environmental degradation and climate extremes as stated by a NASA study, Cabonegro highlighted the interplay between typhoon frequency and intensity and the compounding effects of climate extremes, such as the alternating effects of La Niña-driven heavy precipitation and El Niño-induced droughts.
According to Cabonegro, climate extremes are unheard-of weather events that exceed historical indices and cause unpredictable, permanent effects.
He said the Philippines is experiencing various forms of extremes, such as the disproportionate impact of rapidly rising sea levels on coastal communities and the rapid degradation of ecosystems and biodiversity, which jeopardizes ecological balance and food security.
"Climate extremes refers to a phenomenon that our current immediate future generations have the misfortune of experiencing," said Cabonegro.
"This means that we are feeling the impacts of weather conditions and its repercussions going beyond the indices in a relatively short time. This means, what is happening is unprecedented, and our experience does not have enough reference for the changes that are happening, and therefore there is a lot of uncertainty of what we need to have to be prepared sufficiently for what might happen,” he added.
Cabonegro stressed that extreme weather conditions are already a grim reality in the Philippines.
“The repercussions are undeniable, ranging from quickly rising sea levels to increased typhoon intensity and frequency. "Our sea level rise is in many areas; including Bulacan and Pampanga near NCR is 4-5x higher compared to the rest of the world," said Cabonegro.
"Biodiversity collapse is an impact of extreme climate change, and its impact on the balance of our ecosystem and impacts on our food source are poorly understood and happening too fast,” he added.
Forest fires too
Cabonegro explained how harsh weather conditions lead to the occurrence of natural disasters, citing the forest fires in Cordilleras as another example.
He said this is directly caused by extreme weather as well because the periods of extreme dryness are extended and in tandem with extreme weather results in triggering more forest fires.
"And burned forests that kill the trees will contribute to land degradation and, in turn, will cause erosion. Erosion, especially during the coming of the extreme rains and stronger typhoons, will complete the process, leading to landslides,” said Cabonegro.
Reflecting on previous tragedies such as the Guinsaugon landslide in Leyte and the recent event in Brgy. Masara, Davao de Oro, Cabonegro acknowledged the role of climate change in the severity of such disasters.
A Call to Embrace Holistic Solutions and Green Governance
Cabonegro supports a comprehensive strategy that combines mitigation and adaptation measures.
The restoration of sustainable forest cover, he said, is central to this strategy, particularly in crucial habitats such as wetlands and mangroves, which provide resistance to sea-level rise and harsh weather events.
He also underlined the importance of comprehensive local climate action plans and strong governance structures for coordinating climate funds with adaptation priorities, and called on authorities and legislators to take immediate action.
"It is time for a green government in the country. No other socio-economic-political and ideological alternative is more logical and necessary in these times than the greens,” he said.