Be more adaptive, break siloed approach to climate crisis

Record-high temperatures affecting the country’s agriculture and water resources, local governments declaring a state of calamity in their areas, and schools implementing remote learning arrangements—this is the reality Filipinos face today.

In the wake of the advisory of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on the current El Niño issued on April 5, we have been cautioned that this anomalous warming in the tropical Pacific will continue to set the path to sweltering heat and dryness, and reduction in rainfall. Pagasa further emphasized that these El Niño conditions could lead to reduced water supply, leading to rising water costs, and increased cases of pulmonary, and food- and waterborne diseases.

The Department of Agriculture had reported losses reaching P3.94 billion due to the impacts of this current El Niño. This evidence presents important implications for government policies on climate change adaptation and disaster risk management alongside the long-term agricultural productivity enhancing program. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council also reiterated that dry spells, dry conditions, and drought caused by El Niño pose threats to the country’s water supply, agriculture, electricity, health, and public safety, which are already felt by communities across the country. In addition, a recent report from the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities warned of power supply shortages from April to June this year, as El Niño threatens the capacity of the country’s hydroelectric power plants.

Reducing climate-related loss and damage (L&D) is an urgent action continuously discussed in climate negotiations. The Philippines has secured seats in two L&D-related climate finance mechanisms: the Global Shield Against Climate Risk, jointly established by the Group of Seven countries and the Vulnerable 20 Group of Finance Ministers; and the recently established Loss and Damage Fund of the United Nations. Both mechanisms provide developing countries with funding to address economic and noneconomic loss and damage due to the impacts of slow onset and extreme weather events. These funds aim to support adaptation strategies through pre-arranged protection, such as risk insurance mechanisms, grants, or concessional financing. Blending these innovative mechanisms with existing climate finance and national and local funding can help countries like the Philippines address potential climate impacts.

Climate-related policies and programs in the country are well-crafted and can complement international policy mechanisms, although criticized for their siloed approaches. By adapting to the changing response measures needed to address current and emerging issues, climate policies and programs should complement other areas such as sustainable development and humanitarian emergency management especially when contextualized, at the socioeconomic level. We have to look at climate action holistically, breaking the perceived siloed approaches.

Lourdes Tibig and Danica Marie Supnet,

Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities