The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, is one of the countries most affected by climate change
As I stood among global leaders and climate advocates at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), my heart is heavy with the urgency of the moment. Today, I raise my voice not only as an advocate for climate justice but as a citizen of a nation that bears the brunt of climate change every single day.
Studying in Bangladesh for almost a decade, I learnt a lot from the Green Bangle Movement, a grassroots perspective. The Philippines, which is also my home, is a country devastated by typhoons, floods, and rising sea levels.
And as we continue to face these existential threats, I am pleading with the Philippine government to take bold and immediate action, because our survival and the future of our communities depend on it.
Climate crisis in the Philippines
The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, is one of the countries most affected by climate change. t topped the 2022 to 2024 World Risk Index which assesses populations most at risk from earthquakes, cyclones, floods, droughts and sea-level rise.
Our islands are constantly hit by typhoons, rising sea levels threaten our coastal communities, and shifting weather patterns endanger agriculture and food security. Every year, we face new challenges as climate disasters intensify, and our people suffer the consequences.
I have witnessed firsthand the devastating aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013, which killed thousands and displaced millions, and now, Typhoon Man-Yi (Super Typhoon Pepito) is also on its way. Typhoons are not rare events for us; they are regular occurrences, each one more severe than the last.
The situation is dire.
For many Filipinos, climate change is no longer a distant threat, it is a daily reality. As a young Filipino woman, I stand here today not only to represent my generation but also to advocate for those whose voices often go unheard, especially the rural communities, farmers, fishermen, and Indigenous groups who are already grappling with the devastating impacts of climate change. It is time for the Philippine government to take responsibility and act decisively.
Bolstering adaptation, disaster resilience
We need the Philippine government to prioritize climate adaptation. Our nation is vulnerable to disasters, and we must build a future where our communities are better prepared. This means investing in disaster-resilient infrastructure, flood control systems, and early warning systems that can save lives and prevent further destruction. It also means providing resources to support those most affected by climate impacts, such as our farmers and rural communities.
The government must ensure that climate adaptation strategies are not only top-down but also community-driven, with a focus on empowering local populations to respond to climate impacts. Training farmers on climate-smart agricultural practices, ensuring that fishermen have access to sustainable fishing methods, and providing financial support to rebuild communities after disasters are just a few critical steps. These efforts will help safeguard livelihoods and protect our people from the growing risks of climate change.
Transition to renewables through emissions cut
Mitigation is just as important as adaptation, and here too, the Philippine government must lead the way. Our nation’s reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, must end. We need to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower. The government must commit to phasing out coal plants and prioritize investments in clean energy infrastructure.
This transition should be supported by strong policies that promote energy efficiency, encourage green technologies, and create incentives for businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. The economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy are clear: it will not only reduce our greenhouse gas emissions but also create jobs, improve public health, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
In 2021, the Philippines pledged a 75% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, up from a target of 70% set four years prior.
Global solidarity through climate financing
At COP29, it is also clear that the responsibility for climate action cannot fall solely on the shoulders of developing countries like the Philippines. The global community must stand in solidarity with nations like ours that are disproportionately affected by climate change.
Developed nations, who have historically contributed the most to global emissions, must fulfil their climate finance commitments under the Paris Agreement. This financing is critical for us to adapt to climate change, mitigate its impacts, and build a more resilient future.
I urge the Philippine government to continue pushing for climate justice on the global stage, ensuring that our needs are heard and addressed. We cannot fight this battle alone. The international community must share the burden, just as we share the responsibility to protect the environment for future generations.
Promoting community-driven solutions, indigenous knowledge
The Philippines has a rich history of community-based solutions, and these local initiatives must be recognized and supported in our national climate strategy. Indigenous communities, who have long been stewards of the land, possess valuable traditional knowledge that can contribute significantly to climate action. The government must ensure that these communities are given a seat at the table in climate decision-making processes and that their land rights are protected.
Supporting Indigenous-led conservation efforts, promoting community-based disaster risk reduction strategies, and ensuring that local knowledge is integrated into national climate policies will help build more resilient and sustainable communities across the country.
High time to act
As a Filipino student advocating for climate justice at COP29, I stand here with hope but also with a deep sense of urgency. My generation cannot afford to wait any longer. We need bold actions from our government, actions that will protect our people, our environment, and our future. The Philippines must embrace both climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, build resilient communities, and accelerate the transition to a green, sustainable economy.
The time for change is now. I call on the Philippine government to fulfil its duty to the people of the Philippines and to the planet. It is time to act, not just for today, but for tomorrow. Climate justice is not a choice; it is a necessity, and it is our moral obligation to ensure that future generations inherit a world that is livable, just, and sustainable.
The author is a research assistant at the Green Bangle Project and a Filipino student pursuing a double major in Environmental Sciences and Public Health at the Asian University for Women
