Wednesday, September 24, 2025

The Philippines: Facing Climate Change with Strength

  

The Philippines, a nation of beautiful islands, is facing significant challenges because of climate change. These changes in the environment are affecting the lives and homes of many Filipinos. Our location in the world, how much we depend on nature, and the way our society works all make us open to these problems. Understanding these reasons helps us see why our environment is changing and how it's impacting people.

One of the biggest issues is the number of strong typhoons that hit our country. The Philippines is right in the path of these storms, experiencing about 20 every year. These typhoons bring heavy rains, strong


winds, and big waves, which cause floods, landslides, and damage to buildings and roads. Scientists say that climate change is making these typhoons even stronger and happen more often. This is especially hard for people living near the coast and in low areas, where they are always at risk.

   

    Another major problem is the loss of our forests. Over time, many forests have been cut down for logging, mining, and to create farms. When we lose forests, there are fewer trees to absorb carbon dioxide, a gas that warms the planet. Also, without trees to hold the soil in place, we have a higher risk of soil erosion, landslides, and floods. These forests are also important for indigenous communities, who rely on them for food, medicine, and their way of life.

    In addition, the growth of our cities and industries has led to pollution and unsustainable use of our resources. As more people live in cities and more factories operate, our air and water become more polluted. Trash is often not handled well, and there aren't enough clean water systems. In farming, too many chemicals can harm the land and water. Our oceans are also suffering, with destructive fishing methods reducing the number of fish and damaging coral reefs. These practices threaten the income and food of many families who live by the coast.

    Despite these serious challenges, Filipinos are showing their strength and ability to recover. Communities have developed traditional ways to deal with disasters, like building strong houses and

planting trees to protect the soil. Many also use sustainable farming methods passed down through their families. The government is also working to fight climate change and protect our environment by investing in clean energy, promoting responsible land use, and improving how we prepare for disasters.

      By understanding these problems and working together, we can build a stronger and more sustainable future for all Filipinos.






Resources:

https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2023/03/with-global-warming-of-just-1-2c-why-has-the-weather-gotten-so-extreme/

https://fulcrum.sg/reclaiming-the-resilient-filipino-from-romanticised-climate-narratives-towards-resilience-focused-climate-policy-in-the-philippines/

https://www.cgiar.org/news-events/news/climber-defining-strategies-to-increase-filipino-farmers-climate-resilience/

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