He-LLO - L7 - Impacts of Climate Change

Greenhouse Gases

How Do We Know Climate Change is Real?

Climate change is supported by strong scientific evidence gathered through long-term observations of the Earth’s climate system. Scientists monitor temperature records, atmospheric greenhouse gas levels, melting ice, and sea level rise using satellites, ocean instruments, and weather stations. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, global temperatures have increased significantly since the late 19th century due mainly to human activities such as burning fossil fuels, industrialization, and deforestation. In the Philippines, data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration show increasing average temperatures, stronger typhoons, and changing rainfall patterns. These observed changes provide clear evidence that climate change is occurring and already affecting communities, agriculture, and ecosystems across the country.

The following are evidences of Global Warming

Global Temperature Is Rising • The Ocean Is Getting Warmer • The Ice Sheets Are Shrinking • Glaciers Are Retreating • Snow Cover Is Decreasing • Sea Level Is Rising • Arctic Sea Ice Is Declining • Extreme Events Are Increasing in Frequency • Ocean Acidification Is Increasing

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The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDSs are a set of global goals created by the United Nations to address major global challenges such as poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, climate change, and sustainable development. Adopted in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the SDGs consist of 17 interconnected goals that aim to create a better and more sustainable future for all people while protecting the planet. The following are SDGs in response to changing climate

SDG 13: Climate Action

SDG 13 Climate Action focuses on taking urgent measures to address climate change and reduce its impacts. In the Philippine context, this goal promotes disaster preparedness, climate adaptation, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Because the Philippines is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, the government and communities work to strengthen early warning systems, improve disaster response, and develop climate-resilient infrastructure. Programs led by agencies such as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council help communities prepare for typhoons, floods, and other climate-related hazards. Climate policies also encourage renewable energy, sustainable development, and local climate action plans to reduce risks and protect vulnerable populations.

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SDG 14: Life Below Water

SDG 14 Life Below Water aims to conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas, and marine resources. The Philippines is located within the Coral Triangle, an area known for its extremely rich marine biodiversity. Climate change threatens marine ecosystems through rising ocean temperatures, coral bleaching, and ocean acidification. These changes damage coral reefs, reduce fish populations, and threaten the livelihoods of coastal communities that depend on fishing. To address these issues, the Philippines has established marine protected areas, implemented sustainable fishing practices, and promoted coastal resource management to protect marine ecosystems while ensuring long-term food security.

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SDG 15: Life on Land

SDG 15 Life on Land focuses on protecting terrestrial ecosystems, managing forests sustainably, and preventing biodiversity loss. In the Philippines, forests play an important role in regulating climate, protecting watersheds, and reducing the risks of floods and landslides. However, deforestation caused by logging, land conversion, and urban expansion has reduced forest cover and weakened natural ecosystems. Programs such as reforestation and conservation initiatives aim to restore degraded lands and protect biodiversity hotspots like the Sierra Madre. Protecting forests helps absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and strengthens the country’s ability to adapt to climate change.

Impacts of Global Warming in the Philippine Context

Global warming leads to environmental hazards that affect both natural systems and human communities. These impacts can occur suddenly as rapid-onset hazards or develop gradually as slow-onset hazards. The Philippines, due to its geographic location in the Pacific Ocean and its archipelagic nature, is particularly vulnerable to these climate-related threats.

Rapid-onset Hazards

1. Super Typhoon Super typhoons

These are among the most destructive natural hazards affecting the Philippines. Climate change contributes to warmer ocean temperatures, which provide more energy for tropical cyclones, making them stronger and capable of producing heavier rainfall and more intense winds. In the Philippine context, super typhoons can cause widespread destruction of homes, infrastructure, agriculture, and coastal communities. Strong winds can uproot trees and damage buildings, while storm surges can flood coastal areas and lead to significant loss of life and property. A well-known example is Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), which devastated many parts of Eastern Visayas and demonstrated how powerful typhoons can become under warmer ocean conditions. Below shows the devastation effects of Super Typhoon Yolanda

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/developmenttalk/banking-sector-risks-aftermath-climate-change-and-environmental-related-disasters

2. Landslides

This occur when large amounts of soil, rocks, or debris move down slopes, often triggered by heavy rainfall. In the Philippines, stronger and more frequent rainfall associated with climate change increases the risk of landslides, especially in mountainous and hilly regions. Areas with deforestation or unstable soil are particularly vulnerable because tree roots that normally stabilize the ground are absent. Landslides can bury homes, destroy roads, and isolate communities by blocking transportation routes. A recent example occurred in February 2024 in the Davao Region, where torrential rains triggered two landslides in the provinces of Davao Oriental and Davao de Oro, killing several people and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. Houses were buried and communities were displaced due to the combined effects of heavy rainfall and unstable slopes.

https://mindanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20monkayo-1.jpeg

3. Flash Flood Flash floods

happen when intense rainfall occurs within a short period, causing water levels to rise rapidly. Climate change can increase the intensity of rainfall, making flash floods more frequent in many parts of the Philippines. Urban areas such as Metro Manila are especially vulnerable because drainage systems may not be able to handle large volumes of water during heavy storms. Flash floods can occur suddenly, giving residents little time to evacuate, and they can damage property, disrupt transportation, and contaminate water supplies.

Slow-onset Hazards

1. Temperature Increase

Rising global temperatures are one of the most direct effects of climate change. In the Philippines, increasing temperatures can lead to more frequent heat waves, higher energy demand for cooling, and health risks such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. In recent years, the country has experienced extremely high heat index levels, which combine air temperature and humidity to show how hot it actually feels to the human body. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, some areas in the Philippines have recorded “danger level” heat index values above 42°C, which can pose serious health risks, especially to children, the elderly, and outdoor workers. Higher temperatures also affect agriculture by reducing crop productivity, particularly for temperature-sensitive crops such as rice and corn. Additionally, warmer conditions can disrupt ecosystems and contribute to the spread of pests and diseases that affect both humans and crops.

2. Glacial Retreat

Although the Philippines does not have glaciers, glacial retreat in other parts of the world still affects the country indirectly. As glaciers melt due to global warming, large amounts of water flow into the oceans, contributing to rising sea levels. This process adds to the global problem of coastal flooding and threatens low-lying areas of the Philippines. Glacial retreat is therefore an important indicator of global climate change and plays a role in long-term environmental changes that affect coastal nations.

3. Sea Level Rise

Sea level rise occurs when ocean water expands due to warming temperatures and when melting ice from glaciers and polar ice caps adds more water to the oceans. Because the Philippines is an archipelago with thousands of islands and extensive coastlines, rising sea levels pose a major threat to coastal communities. Flooding, coastal erosion, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources can damage homes, farmlands, and drinking water supplies. Many small island communities may face displacement if sea levels continue to rise in the future.

4. Ocean Acidification

Ocean acidification occurs when oceans absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which makes seawater more acidic. This change in ocean chemistry can harm marine organisms such as corals, shellfish, and plankton that rely on calcium carbonate to build their shells and skeletons. In the Philippines, coral reefs are extremely important for marine biodiversity and fisheries. Acidification weakens coral reefs and makes them more vulnerable to bleaching and damage, which can reduce fish populations and affect the livelihoods of coastal communities that depend on fishing.

5. Land Degradation and Deforestation

Land degradation occurs when the quality and productivity of land decline due to activities such as deforestation, unsustainable farming, mining, and urban expansion. In the Philippines, deforestation reduces the number of trees that absorb carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change. It also weakens the land’s ability to retain water and stabilize soil, increasing the risk of floods and landslides. Forest loss can also destroy habitats for wildlife and reduce biodiversity, making ecosystems less resilient to environmental changes.

5. Drought

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/03/06/1899107/drought-due-el-nio-hit-more-provinces

Drought is a prolonged period of unusually low rainfall that leads to water shortages. Climate change can alter rainfall patterns, making droughts more frequent or severe in some regions. In the Philippines, drought often occurs during strong El Niño events, which reduce rainfall and raise temperatures. Drought affects agriculture by damaging crops, reducing food production, and threatening the livelihoods of farmers. It can also lead to water shortages for households, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation, creating economic and social challenges for communities.

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