# Climate Adaptation in the Philippines: A Decade After Typhoon Haiyan
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Chapter 1: Presidential Priorities
In a recent statement, President Marcos Jr. acknowledged that tackling climate change is a central focus of his administration. He is set to attend the United Nations Climate Summit from November 3 to December 12 in Dubai, where he aims to engage with international development partners to boost investments towards a low-carbon economy in the Philippines. Marcos emphasized the importance of reinforcing local government initiatives to adapt to climate impacts, particularly as the country continues to recover from the devastation of Super Typhoon Haiyan a decade ago.
As per reports, among the nations most susceptible to climate change, four—Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines—are situated in Southeast Asia. These governments are already grappling with losses and damages that exceed those faced by other countries, leading President Marcos Jr. to assert that wealthier nations have a moral duty to assist poorer nations.
The ramifications of climate change compel Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, to confront rising sea levels and increasingly severe typhoons, exacerbated by warming Pacific Ocean temperatures. Given the persistent issues of widespread poverty and systemic economic disparities, these vulnerable nations are likely to encounter significant challenges and, at worst, catastrophic climate events.
Photo by Rosalind Chang on Unsplash
Philippine officials contend that the intensification of typhoons and other natural disasters can be traced back to climate change, stressing the need for preparedness from the national to the barangay (local) level.
Section 1.1: Local Expertise in Climate Adaptation
One key figure in the Philippines’ climate adaptation efforts is Marge Dela Cruz, a marine biologist from the Samar-Leyte region in the central Philippines, known as the Visayas.
Photo by Road Ahead on Unsplash
Dela Cruz’s commitment to community service stems from her upbringing; her parents, despite limited resources, demonstrated generosity towards others. It was only after becoming a university professor during the first Marcos administration that she recognized her potential to effect change through her expertise in marine biology and fisheries.
The Samar-Leyte region is one of the Philippines' most underprivileged areas, lacking the urbanization seen in Luzon and not attracting tourists like other islands.
Photo by Beth Macdonald on Unsplash
Dela Cruz joined the University of the Philippines (UP) Tacloban campus in 1980, eventually becoming a marine biology professor and founding the Guiuan Development Foundation, Inc. (GDFI) to combat illegal fishing practices in Guiuan Bay.
In October 2023, she collaborated with scientists from Stanford University and the University of California at Berkeley, who expressed interest in her mangrove conservation work.
The organization Give2Asia recognized her initiatives shortly after Typhoon Haiyan, selecting GDFI as a key player in the community's recovery efforts.
Dela Cruz initiated her work with fishing communities during the Cory Aquino presidency, a period when democratic space allowed individuals like her to contribute positively to society.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Significance of Mangroves
Photo by Michael Maga-ao on Unsplash
Dela Cruz has understood the critical role of mangroves since the 1980s. These unique coastal ecosystems, adapted to salty conditions, support a diverse range of fish species and provide essential spawning habitats for marine life.
She argues that local governments should prioritize mangrove restoration over developing fish farms or housing along coastlines.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there are approximately 80 species of mangrove trees, which thrive in low-oxygen soil and slow-moving waters that allow sediment accumulation. Their intricate root systems help manage tidal fluctuations and stabilize coastlines, thereby mitigating erosion from storms and high tides.
The mangrove ecosystem is recognized for its high biodiversity, as noted by National Geographic.
The Mangrove Ecosystem
Use this infographic (provided in English, French, and Spanish) to explore the mangrove ecosystem, which plays a crucial role in coastal protection…
education.nationalgeographic.org
Section 1.2: Strategies for Coastal Resilience
Dela Cruz advocates for protecting existing mangrove forests and replanting where necessary. She suggests that creating coastal greenbelts can enhance the resilience of communities and ecosystems against severe storms, as experienced in Guiuan and Tacloban during Typhoon Haiyan.
She recalls how a super-typhoon struck her region in 1988, awakening her to the potential of mangroves as a climate adaptation strategy.
@Cabcabin 2014 Samar-Leyte region after Typhoon Haiyan
Dela Cruz warns that another catastrophic event like Typhoon Haiyan is inevitable. While GDFI operates with limited resources, they welcome support to expand their mangrove conservation efforts in Eastern Samar and Leyte.
The Philippines, along with four other Southeast Asian nations, faces significant threats from rising sea levels and intensified typhoons. The upcoming United Nations Climate Summit (COP 28) will be critical for ensuring that wealthier nations fulfill their commitments to assist developing countries in addressing climate challenges. The structure and location of the new climate fund will also be pivotal, as developing nations are cautious about U.S.-led initiatives through the World Bank.
The sustainability of valuable carbon sinks, such as mangrove forests, hinges on supportive national and international policies. The forthcoming discussions at COP28 will determine whether global leaders will commit to equitable funding and frameworks to assist developing nations. Furthermore, the current Philippine administration's recognition of the link between climate resilience and respect for human rights remains to be seen.
In the interim, local organizations like GDFI will rely heavily on private and philanthropic contributions for their environmental initiatives.
Chapter 2: A Decade of Recovery
The first video, "10 Years After Super Typhoon Haiyan, the Philippines is Still Recovering," explores the ongoing challenges and recovery efforts in the Philippines a decade after the disaster.
The second video, "Ten Years After Typhoon Haiyan, Philippine City Rebuilds," highlights the rebuilding efforts and resilience of a city in the aftermath of the typhoon.
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