Urgent Climate Action in Philippines Demands Local Response
MANILA, Philippines – Senator Loren Legarda highlighted the pressing need for urgent climate action in the Philippines. She warned that climate change could bring devastating losses to both lives and the economy, urging all sectors to respond swiftly.
“Between 2014 and 2023, almost 43 million Filipinos were displaced by disasters,” she said. “By 2030, the projected productivity loss from extreme heat alone could reach ₱466 billion annually.” These staggering figures underscore why urgent climate action in Philippines is critical.
Philippines Faces Global Climate Risks
The World Risk Index has ranked the Philippines as the most vulnerable country to climate change for sixteen consecutive years. This is due to the country’s exposure to frequent, destructive storms that threaten communities nationwide.
Legarda cautioned that continued inaction could slash the nation’s gross domestic product by 13% by 2040. She emphasized the vital role of local government units (LGUs) as frontline responders during natural calamities, urging them to be proactive in assisting their communities.
Empowering Local Governments with ACT Local Programme
Crafting Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAP) has been a challenge for many LGUs. To address this, the Climate Change Commission introduced the ACT Local Programme, which serves as a crucial tool for local governments to confront climate threats effectively.
“Ang pagpapatibay ng LCCAP ay isang mahalagang hakbang upang matiyak na ang Antique ay magiging mas ligtas at higit na handa sa pagtugon sa mga hamon at suliraning may kinalaman sa kalikasan,” Legarda said, referencing her home province during the program launch in Sibalom, Antique.
She also stressed that while national resources are important, community-driven actions remain essential. “Solutions are proven to be more effective when grounded in the needs, experiences, and active participation of people at the local level,” she concluded.
For more news and updates on urgent climate action in Philippines, visit Filipinokami.com.
