Extreme weather events are taking their toll on the economy and the cost may reach critical level by 2030 if the Philippines fails to adopt climate resilient steps.
Intensified southwest monsoons and tropical cyclones Crising, Dante and Emong have caused recent widespread flooding, landslides and infrastructure damage across the country.
These climate-induced disasters led to the suspension of classes and work in the government, with cascading effects on productivity and economic stability.
Climate analytics, per the Climate Change Commission, indicate that the cost of inaction on climate change could reach serious level five years from now.
The agency said infrastructure damage could exceed P300 billion while productivity losses due to extreme heat might surpass P400 billion.
Business interruptions could amount to P528 billion and relocation-related costs for displaced communities may reach up to P8.9 billion.
CCC vice chairperson and executive director Robert E.A. Borje called for a robust research and development systems to address the far-reaching consequences of climate impacts.
“Resilience is one of our key responses to protect our economy from the impacts of climate change. The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDCIP) are two critical frameworks the government has put in place to meet these challenges,” Borje said.
The CCC stressed the critical role of science-based data and research and development (R&D) in building a climate-resilient nation and protecting national wealth during the 8th National Research and Development Conference organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
The NAP, developed under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., aims to steadily reduce climate-related loss and damage and enhance the country’s adaptive capacity, targeting transformative resilience and sustainable economic development by 2050.
The NDCIP, meanwhile, places research, technology and innovation at the core of the country’s mitigation strategy to ensure that emission-reduction efforts also protect livelihoods, ecosystems and infrastructure.
CCC News
Borje in his address called for a trans-disciplinary approach to climate resilience, underscoring the importance of collaboration across diverse fields of expertise.
“We need civil engineers working alongside economists; climate scientists partnering with social innovators and community leaders; data experts collaborating with agricultural specialists and urban planners,” he said.
The conference convened key DOST agencies, including the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS),and Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD).
The CCC reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with government agencies, the private sector, the academe and communities to advance a science-based, inclusive, and forward-looking approach to addressing the complex and interconnected challenges posed by climate change. CCC News
