Resilience Despite Disasters

         The Philippines is located near the Pacific Ring of Fire, it means that it is prone to different kinds of disasters. The predominant reasons for sudden or progressive changes in the environment that adversely affect many Filipinos' lives and living conditions can be caused naturally or man made. Like typhoons, rising sea levels, drought, deforestation etc. They all have an effect to the country.

        The Philippines experiences an average of 20 typhoons in a year, and climate change is intensifying how frequent and severe these storms are. Warmer sea surface temperatures fuel more powerful typhoons, leading to stronger winds, heavier rainfall, and increased flooding. Agriculture is the job of many Filipino livelihoods, but due to unpredictable weather patterns such as prolonged droughts, heavy rainfall, and flooding are destroying crops. This directly threatens food security and the economic stability of farmers. The shifting climate conditions also bring pests and diseases, which further harm crops and also animals or livestock. Illegal logging and agricultural expansion have led to significant deforestation in the country. Forests play a critical role in regulating water cycles, preventing soil erosion, and mitigating floods. When forests are cleared, the risk of flash floods, landslides, and soil degradation increases that poses a risk to people. 

        Overall, the challenges posed by climate change in the Philippines are caused by both natural phenomena and human activities. The effects on the environment such as more frequent typhoons, rising sea levels, and loss of biodiversity are interconnected with socio-economic issues. To improve resilience, we must cooperate and take action for environmental protection, disaster preparedness, sustainable practices, and local and national support of the government to minimize the adverse effects of these phenomenas. 

Picture References: 

More Filipinos hungry in first quarter of 2024 - SWS. (2024, May 1). Retrieved from  https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/05/01/2351782/more-filipinos-hungry-first-quarter-2024-sws/amp/

Filipino farmers advised to adapt erratic rain. (2018,August 27). https://www.scidev.net/asia-pacific/news/filipino-farmers-advised-to-adapt-to-erratic-rain/