Lumulubog na ba ang Maynila? | Need To Know

Summary

Metro Manila, home to nearly 15 million Filipinos, faces the alarming threat of sinking due to rapid sea-level rise exacerbated by climate change. The city's vulnerability is heightened by land subsidence caused by over-extraction of groundwater and natural geological factors. With sea levels in the Philippines rising seven times faster than the global average between 2015 and 2020, the potential for parts of the city to sink by 2030 poses a significant economic risk, estimated at over $39 billion. The Philippine government and international efforts, such as the Paris Agreement, are crucial in mitigating this environmental crisis and its far-reaching impacts.

Takeaways

• 🌊 Nearly fifteen million people live in Metro Manila, which is at risk of sinking due to rising sea levels.
• 📈 Manila's sea level rise from 2015 to 2020 was recorded to be more than seven times faster than the global average.
• 🌍 Climate change contributes to sea level rise, with global temperatures and glacier melts adding to ocean levels.
• 🏙️ Parts of Metro Manila are experiencing land subsidence, which is different from areas that are not sinking.
• 💧 The over-extraction of groundwater is a significant cause of land subsidence, leading to enhanced compaction.
• 🌡️ The Philippines is expected to see an annual sea level rise of 5.7 to 7 millimeters based on data from 1993 to 2015.
• 🌊 Manila Bay's water level is estimated to be rising at 13.24 millimeters per year, directly affecting the city.
• 🏛️ Dr. Fernando Sirinan indicates that areas connected to bodies of water like Manila Bay are particularly vulnerable to sea level rise.
• 💼 The potential sinking of parts of Metro Manila by 2030 could impact an economy worth over $39 billion.
• 🌳 The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has tools to monitor and predict areas at risk of sinking.
• 🏙️ Planners should consider the implications of a rising population and water supply issues in Metro Manila, especially with the risk of land subsidence.

Q & A

How many Filipinos reside in Metro Manila?

Nearly fifteen million Filipinos reside in Metro Manila.

Why is Metro Manila considered at risk of sinking?

Metro Manila is at risk of sinking due to the rapid rise in sea levels, exacerbated by climate change, and the potential for land subsidence due to natural causes and over-extraction of groundwater.

What is the global sea level rise reported by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change?

Since 1993, global sea levels have been rising by three millimeters per year according to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

How does the rate of sea level rise in the Philippines compare to the global average?

Between 2015 and 2020, the rise in sea levels in the Philippines was recorded to be more than seven times faster than the global average.

What is the connection between the West Philippine Sea and Manila Bay in terms of sea level rise?

If the water in the West Philippine Sea rises, Manila Bay, being connected to it, will also experience a rise in water levels.

What are the two main factors contributing to rising sea levels as mentioned in the script?

The two main factors contributing to rising sea levels are the expansion of water as oceans become warmer due to climate change and the melting of glaciers in the Arctic and Antarctic, which add to the water in the oceans.

What is the potential economic impact of parts of Metro Manila sinking by 2030 according to Greenpeace East Asia?

The potential economic impact of parts of Metro Manila sinking by 2030 is estimated to be worth more than $39 billion.

What is the estimated annual rise in water level in Manila Bay?

The water level in Manila Bay is estimated to be rising at 13.24 millimeters per year.

How does the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) monitor sea levels and predict areas at risk of sinking?

PAGASA uses an app to monitor sea levels and predict which areas of the country could sink due to rising water levels. They also release reports such as 'Observed Climate Trends and Projected Climate Projection' to analyze climate data.

What role does the extraction of groundwater play in land subsidence in Metro Manila?

The over-extraction of groundwater contributes to land subsidence by causing enhanced compaction and loss of soil composition, such as water.

What is the Paris Agreement's goal regarding the rise in global temperatures?

The goal of the Paris Agreement is to limit the increase in global temperatures to only 1.5 degrees Celsius, to prevent further environmental degradation.

What is the Climate Change Act or RA 9729 in the Philippines, and what is its purpose?

The Climate Change Act or RA 9729 is a law in the Philippines that aims to include climate change information in planning purposes for local government units, to better prepare for and mitigate the effects of climate change.