Are we ready to face climate change?

Climate change represents one of the greatest challenges of our time, affecting every aspect of human life and transcending borders and sectors. I call it "an everything crisis" that threatens our lives, livelihoods and the fabric of our societies. As a country particularly susceptible to its impact, the question arises: "Are we, as a nation, both our government and our people, ready to face and address climate change?"

This is an expanded question from "Are we ready?" the central discussion that I delivered at the first plenary presentation during the inaugural CLIMBS Global Cooperative Climate Summit 2024 held in Bangkok, Thailand, recently.

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Noel Raboy , CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative Official president and CEO, described the summit attended by over 500 representatives throughout the Philippines as "not just an event; it is a call to action — a platform where our shared commitment to sustainability, equity and resilience converges."

The Philippines is recognized for its vulnerability to climate change. For three straight years (2022-2024), the World Risk Report consistently ranks the country as the most at-risk nation globally, highlighting our exposure to climate-induced disasters such as typhoons, flooding and droughts. The six typhoons that hit the country within just 30 days are described as "extraordinary" by the World Weather Attribution: "Never before witnessed, affecting more than 13 million people, destroying lives and livelihoods, and putting enormous strain on resources and infrastructure."

The World Meteorological Organization warns of rising sea levels. Sixty percent of our local government units situated along coastal areas face the double threat of inundation and displacement, while agricultural sectors struggle with unpredictable weather that jeopardizes food security.

While our ranking reflects the critical need for urgent and bold action, the Philippines has shown some capacity for adaptation and resilience. The country ranks 7th out of 64 countries in the CCPI - Climate Change Performance Index , a paradox that showcases a nation that, while highly vulnerable, is also making strides in confronting climate change.

The Philippine government has taken significant steps to prepare for and respond to climate change through structural and legislative frameworks. Seventy-two percent of Filipinos believe that "the government is doing enough to avoid a climate catastrophe," according to a recent Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI) study.

The National Adaptation Plan and the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan serve as the adaptation and mitigation blueprints that aim to increase the country's resilience to climate impacts and optimize opportunities to transition to a low-carbon development pathway. Ongoing efforts to adopt the Low-Carbon Economy Investment Act and the Climate Accountability Act illustrate an acknowledgment of the climate crisis and a commitment to implementing change at the policy level.

However, challenges remain. Effective implementation of climate policies suffers from resource limitations, institutional capacity gaps and bureaucratic hurdles. Local governments, which are at the front line of climate impacts, sometimes lack the technical expertise and resources needed to execute sound adaptation strategies. Bureaucratic inefficiencies can hinder the timely disbursement of funds to affected communities during disasters. A concerted effort to bolster capacity-building at local levels is crucial.

On the ground, we have shown remarkable resilience and ingenuity in facing climate challenges. The HHI study reveals, "Filipinos' self-reported disaster preparedness level has increased by 42 percent on average over the past seven years." Community-led programs in reforestation, sustainable agriculture and local disaster response exemplify the proactive engagement of citizens in climate action.

Civil society organizations and nongovernmental organizations play a crucial role in mobilizing communities, providing resources and facilitating dialogue between citizens and government entities. Grassroots movements calling for accountability and climate action empower citizens to engage with policymakers on climate concerns.

Education is an essential component in preparing future generations for climate change challenges. While climate change awareness is high among Filipinos, the HHI study shows that "only 66 percent of Filipinos associate climate change with human activity."

Incorporating climate education into school curricula will empower young people to understand, respond to and innovate in addressing climate-related issues as they grow into tomorrow's leaders.

The Philippines must continue to engage actively in global climate dialogues, sharing insights while advocating for support tailored to the unique vulnerabilities of developing nations. Being the host country for the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage Board, which recognizes our role as the face of climate change, is one big step moving forward.

Fr. Elmo Manching, chairman of CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative Official , said: "[I]f we only think that there is only one planet that we share, we've got to take good care of this planet."

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As one nation, we must continue to prioritize climate action, address systemic barriers, strengthen local capacities and unify our efforts. The journey ahead may be daunting, but with determination, creativity and cooperation, we can navigate this super-wicked challenge and build a sustainable and resilient future for 119 million Filipinos.

Video of the inaugural CLIMBS Global Cooperative Climate Summit 2024: https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/climbsofficial_coops4climateaction-climbsclimatesummit2024-activity-7274993761208713216-QvkN?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

This article is published in my column, All About Choices, in The Manila Times on 28 December 2024. https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/12/28/business/green-industries/are-we-ready-to-face-climate-change/2027824