Lalo bang maghihirap ang mga mahirap dahil sa climate change? | Need to Know

Summary

The Philippines faces escalating poverty due to climate change, with unemployment at 2 million and a poverty rate spiking to 42% in 2024's first quarter. Climate hazards, like typhoons, threaten food security, affecting 70 million island dwellers who depend on agriculture and fishing. The country could lose 7.6% of its GDP by 2030 without intervention. The government's National Adaptation Plan, with a P457.4 billion budget for 2024, aims to mitigate these effects, focusing on food security, workforce, water supply, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. International support is crucial for capacity building, technology transfer, and climate finance.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The Philippines faces a significant unemployment issue with two million people currently out of work amidst a population of over one hundred million.
• 📉 The poverty rate has seen a sharp increase, from 22.4% in 2023 to 42% in the first quarter of 2024, with a new category of 'new poor' emerging due to recent poverty experiences.
• 🌡️ Climate change is identified as a major driver of this escalating poverty, with its impacts expected to worsen the situation further.
• 🌾 Food security is a primary concern, as the Philippines' agricultural sector, which contributes 8.6% to the national income, is highly vulnerable to climate hazards like typhoons.
• 🌡️ Rising temperatures could lead to a 10% decrease in rice yields for every 1°C increase, resulting in an estimated annual loss of P18.81 billion in agriculture.
• 🐟 The importance of fish as a protein source for Filipinos is highlighted, with the potential for food security to be compromised without intervention.
• 📉 The economic impact of climate change is substantial, with a projected 7.6% loss of GDP by 2030 if no action is taken, amounting to around P1.4 trillion.
• 👷‍♂️ Climate change affects the workforce and employment, with around 25% of the workforce being fisherfolks and farmers whose livelihoods are at risk.
• 🔥 Extreme heat, such as the 47°C recorded in April, can lead to a loss of working hours, with the UN predicting a 1% loss by 2025 due to climate-induced heat.
• 💧 The Philippines is also at risk of water shortages by 2040, exacerbating the issue for the 90% of Filipinos who are already deprived of clean water.
• 🛡️ The Climate Change Commission has created policies and the National Adaptation Plan to mitigate the negative effects of climate change and increase the country's adaptive capacity.
• 💼 The government has allocated significant funding, P457.4 billion for fiscal year 2024, to support various climate change adaptation and mitigation projects.
• 🌳 Initiatives such as the People’s Survival Fund and planting mangrove forests are part of the adaptation strategies to enhance resilience against climate change.
• 🔍 The emphasis is on improving the capacity for adaptation and transformation at the local government level, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions for mitigation.
• 🤝 International support is crucial for capacity building, technology development and transfer, and climate finance to assist the Philippines in combating climate change.

Q & A

What is the current unemployment rate in the Philippines according to the script?

The script states that out of over one hundred million people in the Philippines, two million are unemployed.

How has the poverty rate changed from 2023 to the first quarter of 2024 in the Philippines?

The poverty rate was 22.4% in 2023, and it increased to 42% during the first quarter of 2024.

What is the 'new poor' category mentioned in the script?

The 'new poor' category refers to individuals and communities that are only recently experiencing poverty due to climate change.

What impact does climate change have on food security in the Philippines?

Climate change affects food security by exposing the country, comprised of over 7,000 islands, to extreme weather events like typhoons, which can impact agriculture, including farming and fishing, that constitutes 8.6% of the Philippines' income.

How does climate change affect rice yields in the Philippines according to the International Rice Research Institute?

Rice yields could decrease by 10% for every 1°C increase in temperature, which equates to an annual loss of P18.81 billion in agriculture.

What is the potential economic impact of climate change on the Philippines by 2030 if no interventions are made?

The impact could be 7.6% of the GDP by 2030, which is around P1.4 trillion of GDP that could be lost.

How does climate change affect the workforce and employment in the Philippines?

Climate change impacts the workforce as around 25% of it consists of fisherfolks and farmers. If they don't earn a living or their land becomes unproductive, it affects the economy.

What is the projected loss of working hours by 2025 due to extreme heat according to the United Nations?

One percent of working hours will be lost by 2025 due to extreme heat.

How does the Philippines' water supply situation relate to climate change?

The Philippines is expected to experience water shortage by 2040, which is a concern considering that 90% of Filipinos are already deprived of clean water.

What is the National Adaptation Plan and what does it aim to do?

The National Adaptation Plan outlines the framework for addressing deficiencies and strengthening systems to increase the country's adaptive capacity to climate change across different sectors.

What financial commitment has the Philippine government made towards climate change adaptation in the fiscal year 2024?

The government allocated P457.4 billion for fiscal year 2024, which is 7.93% of the National Adaptation Plan's budget.

What is the People’s Survival Fund and how is it intended to be used?

The People’s Survival Fund is an initiative with over one billion pesos allocated for local government units to use for climate change projects, such as planting mangrove forests.

What are the four components of the 4Ps program mentioned in the script?

The 4Ps program includes perceptiveness, planning, policy compliance, and preparedness.

Outlines

00:00

🌪️ Impact of Climate Change on Poverty and Economy in the Philippines

The first paragraph highlights the pressing issue of unemployment and poverty in the Philippines, exacerbated by the emerging 'new poor' due to climate change. It underscores the vulnerability of the Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, to extreme weather events like typhoons, which threaten food security and livelihoods. The agriculture sector, integral to the national income, faces significant risks with potential losses estimated at billions due to temperature increases affecting rice yields and grasslands. The script also points out the broader economic implications, including the potential loss of 7.6% of GDP by 2030 if no action is taken, and introduces Sec. Robert Borje of the Climate Change Commission, emphasizing the importance of government programs and plans to address these challenges.

05:00

🌳 National Adaptation and Mitigation Efforts in Response to Climate Change

The second paragraph delves into the Philippine government's response to the climate crisis through the National Adaptation Plan, which outlines a comprehensive framework for sectoral action to strengthen the country's adaptive capacity. With a substantial budget allocation for fiscal year 2024, the government aims to implement various projects and programs. Initiatives such as the People’s Survival Fund and the 4Ps program (perceptiveness, planning, policy compliance, and preparedness) are highlighted, showcasing a proactive approach to adaptation and mitigation. The paragraph also discusses international support in capacity building, technology development, and climate finance, stressing the need for a collective mindset shift towards a solvable climate issue and the importance of commitment and policy adherence for effective change.

Keywords

💡Population

Population refers to the total number of people living within a certain area. In the context of the video, the Philippines has over one hundred million people, which underscores the scale of the issues discussed, such as unemployment and poverty rates. The large population heightens the urgency of addressing climate change impacts on a broad societal level.

💡Unemployment

Unemployment is the state of being without a job while actively seeking work. The script mentions that two million people in the Philippines are unemployed, indicating a significant social and economic challenge. This issue is further complicated by the effects of climate change, as it can lead to job losses in climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture and fishing.

💡Poverty Rate

The poverty rate is the percentage of a population living below a certain income level. The video script highlights the increase in the poverty rate in the Philippines, with 22.4% in 2023 and a higher percentage considering themselves poor in the first quarter of 2024. This term is central to the video's theme, as it directly relates to the impact of climate change on the economic well-being of the population.

💡Climate Change

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions. The script identifies climate change as a primary reason for worsening poverty and other socio-economic issues in the Philippines. It affects food security, employment, and water supply, making it the central environmental concern addressed in the video.

💡Food Security

Food security is the availability of food and the ability of people to access it on a regular basis. The video script discusses how climate change impacts food security in the Philippines by affecting agricultural yields and fishing, which are vital to the livelihoods of many Filipinos. The potential decrease in rice yields and the threat to fisheries are used as examples of how climate change can exacerbate food insecurity.

💡Extreme Weather Events

Extreme weather events are severe meteorological occurrences that can cause significant damage or impact. The script mentions typhoons as a type of extreme weather event that poses a threat to the Philippines, highlighting the vulnerability of the country's many islands and the people who depend on them for their livelihoods.

💡Agriculture

Agriculture is the practice of cultivating plants and livestock to produce food. The video script points out that agriculture, including farming and fishing, makes up 8.6% of the Philippines' income. Climate change poses a direct threat to this sector, with potential losses in crop yields and fish stocks, which are critical for the country's economy and food security.

💡Economic Impact

Economic impact refers to the effects of a particular event or phenomenon on the economy. The script discusses the potential economic losses due to climate change, such as the projected 7.6% of GDP by 2030 if no action is taken. This term is used to illustrate the significant financial consequences of climate change for the Philippines.

💡Climate Resilience

Climate resilience is the ability of a system, community, or society to withstand or recover from climate-related shocks and stresses. The video script mentions the need for improving climate resilience, particularly for local government units and small businesses, to adapt to the changing climate conditions and reduce vulnerability.

💡National Adaptation Plan (NAP)

The National Adaptation Plan is a strategic document outlining a country's approach to adapting to the effects of climate change. The script refers to the creation of the Philippines' NAP, which provides a framework for addressing deficiencies and strengthening systems to increase the country's adaptive capacity in the face of climate change.

💡Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions are gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming. The video script discusses the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions as part of climate change mitigation efforts, which is essential for slowing the rate of climate change and its impacts.

💡Climate Finance

Climate finance refers to funding that is dedicated to projects and programs aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the effects of climate change. The script mentions international community partners' commitment to help the Philippines with capacity building, technology development and transfer, and climate finance, indicating the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate change.

Highlights

The Philippines has over one hundred million people, with two million unemployed.

In 2023, the poverty rate was 22.4%, with 42% considering themselves poor in the first quarter of 2024.

The emergence of the 'new poor' category due to recent experiences of poverty.

Climate change is identified as a primary reason for the increase in poverty.

Climate change's impact on food security in the Philippines, which is comprised of over 7,000 islands.

70 million Filipinos' livelihoods are tied to agriculture and fishing, making them vulnerable to climate hazards.

Agriculture contributes 8.6% to the Philippines' income, with potential impacts from climate change.

One million hectares of grassland could be affected by climate change, threatening rice yields.

A 10% decrease in rice yields is expected for every 1°C temperature increase, equating to an annual loss of P18.81 billion.

The importance of fish as a protein source for Filipinos and the risk it faces due to climate change.

By 2030, without intervention, climate change could impact 7.6% of the Philippines' GDP, risking a loss of around P1.4 trillion.

The role of the Climate Change Commission in organizing and evaluating government programs related to climate change.

Climate-induced heat could disrupt the workforce, with a projected 1% loss of working hours by 2025.

The impact of extreme heat and typhoons on the workforce and economy, particularly for fisherfolks and farmers.

MSMEs have lower capacity for climate resilience and adaptation compared to larger companies.

The Philippines is projected to experience water shortages by 2040, exacerbating existing clean water deprivation.

The creation of policies by the Climate Change Commission to mitigate the negative effects of climate change.

The Philippine government's National Adaptation Plan and its framework for addressing climate change deficiencies.

A budget allocation of P457.4 billion for fiscal year 2024 to support the National Adaptation Plan.

The establishment of the People’s Survival Fund to support local climate change projects.

The importance of improving local government units' capacity to adapt to climate change.

Mitigation efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and international support for capacity building, technology, and climate finance.

The 4Ps program emphasizing perceptiveness, planning, policy compliance, and preparedness in addressing climate change.

A call to change mindset and the belief in the capability to address climate change through commitment and policy adherence.

Transcripts

With the current population of over one hundred million in the Philippines,

two million are unemployed.

The poverty rate was 22.4% in 2023

while 42% during the first quarter of 2024

consider themselves poor.

But these numbers are expected to worsen

as the “new poor” category arises.

This is a new category for individuals and communities

which are only recently experiencing poverty.

The reason is…

climate change.

Will the poor become even poorer because of climate change?

Here's what you need to know.

There are undeniable impacts of climate change

that will exacerbate poverty in the country.

According to studies

by the Climate Change Commission of the Philippines,

the first to be affected is food security.

Because the Philippines is comprised of over 7,000 islands

and the livelihoods of 70 million Filipinos depend on it,

they are exposed to climate hazards of extreme weather events

like typhoons.

Agriculture, including farming and fishing,

constitutes 8.6% of the Philippines' income.

Due to climate change,

one million hectares of grassland could possibly be affected.

According to the International Rice Research Institute,

rice yields could decrease by 10%

for every 1°C increase in temperature.

This is equivalent to P18.81 billion loss

in agriculture each year.

Remember, fish is the main source of protein for Filipinos.

So without intervention,

our food security will be affected.

It is estimated that by 2030,

if we don't do anything, if we don't intervene,

if we don’t have a plan,

the impact could be 7.6% of our GDP by 2030,

or around P1.4 trillion of GDP could be lost.

So when it comes to the economics of it all,

there is a lot we could potentially lose.

Here is Sec. Robert Borje,

Vice Chairperson, and Executive Director

of the Climate Change Commission.

They organize, monitor

and evaluate government programs and plans

related to climate change.

Besides food security, climate change also affects

the workforce and employment.

There is impact to our economy because our workforce,

around 25% or one-fourth, are fisherfolks and farmers.

Imagine the impact if our farmers don't earn a living,

or they get sick,

or need to convert their land because it's no longer productive.

So it's very important that we address this.

According to the United Nations, climate-induced heat

can also disrupt the workforce.

One percent of working hours will be lost

by 2025, due to extreme heat.

For example, last April, the temperature reached 47°C.

Many workers were discouraged from working

between noon and three in the afternoon

due to the extreme heat.

Typhoons, like Typhoon Carina, a whole other issue.

Another factor is the industry you belong to.

For example, if you are a wage earner

and working in an MSME,

your workplace's capacity for climate resilience and adaptation

is lower than those of larger companies.

That's one of the factors.

Climate change will also affect the country's water supply.

According to a study by the World Research Institute,

the Philippines will experience water shortage by 2040.

This does not include the 90% of Filipinos

who are already deprived of clean water.

Therefore, the Climate Change Commission created policies

to mitigate the negative effects of climate change.

Because we know that the poor will become even poorer

due to climate change,

the Philippine government created

the National Adaptation Plan.

This National Adaptation Plan outlines the framework

for what needs to be done

across different sectors, to address deficiencies

or strengthen various systems or frameworks

to increase our adaptive capacity as a country,

as local government units and as individuals.

The government allocated P457.4 billion for fiscal year 2024,

or 7.93% of our NAP.

And we expect different government agencies

to have various projects and programs for this.

The government also set up the People’s Survival Fund.

Over one billion pesos are allocated for this,

which local government units can use

for climate change projects,

such as planting mangrove forests.

Adaptation involves improving the capacity of our local government units (LGUs)

and other agencies to adapt or transform or change

because of climate change drivers.

But when it comes to mitigation,

this also means reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.

And because of this, we see movement

and commitment from our international community partners

to help the Philippines: first, in capacity building;

second, technology development and transfer;

and last, climate finance.

Their program also includes the so-called 4Ps:

perceptiveness,

planning,

policy compliance,

and preparedness.

We need to change our mindset.

We must not think that climate change...

is an unsolvable issue.

According to our scientists and experts...

we are capable of doing something.

If we commit and understand

the phenomenon of climate change,

if we come up with plans,

and if we follow our government's policies…

changes can happen.