6 hours Ago By N/A (Manila Bulletin)
Tropical cyclones are becoming more frequent and devastating. And as the Philippines faces an increasing frequency of powerful tropical cyclones, the impact of climate change has never been more evident. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the higher-than-usual sea surface temperatures (SST) around the country’s waters are contributing significantly to the intensification of tropical cyclones.
In 2023, the country had seen the devastating impacts of such storms, and with climate change accelerating, the forecast for future cyclones looks even more dire. The science behind these trends is clear, so the challenge now lies in how the government, private sector, and the community can act together to mitigate the effects and protect the most vulnerable sectors of society. Sea surface temperatures play a critical role in the formation and intensity of tropical cyclones.
As PAGASA Climate and Agrometeorology Division chief Thelma Cinco explained in a recent press briefing, the higher-than-usual sea surface temperatures near the country’s waters are fueling the formation of stronger and successive tropical cyclones. She said the SST in the Philippine Sea is reaching as high as 30°C, while noting that tropical cyclones typically form when ocean temperatures are 27°C or higher. The warming trend, Cinco said, is seen as an indication of the effects of climate change on tropical cyclone behavior, with warmer waters contributing to the development of more intense storms that have potential to cause widespread damage.
Rising sea levels, another byproduct of climate change, exacerbate this situation, increasing the vulnerability of coastal communities. This has significant implications for a country like the Philippines, which sits on the Pacific Typhoon Belt and experiences an average of 20 typhoons a year. To mitigate the growing risks, a concerted effort across all levels of society is crucial.
The government must prioritize disaster risk reduction and response mechanisms. Investments in early warning systems, emergency response capabilities, and public education about storm preparedness are essential. It has to modernize PAGASA’s monitoring and forecasting systems for more accurate predictions and timely alerts.
Local government units must work to ensure that evacuation plans are regularly updated and practiced, particularly in high-risk areas. Infrastructure development is another critical area. Cities and provinces must adopt climate-resilient construction standards, focusing on flood management systems, storm-resistant buildings, and coastal protection measures.
Sustainable urban planning that limits the destruction of natural buffers, such as mangrove forests, coral reefs, and wetlands, should be prioritized to reduce storm surge risks. On the part of the private sector, the corporate community should integrate climate resilience into their business models, ensuring that their operations and supply chains are prepared for extreme weather events. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives should focus on disaster relief efforts, supporting communities affected by storms, and contributing to the development of resilient infrastructure in vulnerable areas.
Moreover, businesses in sectors like construction, energy, and agriculture must adopt sustainable practices. In the energy sector, for instance, companies should invest in renewable energy sources and reduce their carbon footprints, as fossil fuel emissions are directly linked to rising sea temperatures. The private sector should also invest in innovative technologies for disaster resilience, such as flood monitoring systems, storm surge barriers, and early warning apps.
Education and awareness campaigns should be conducted in communities to ensure residents understand the risks posed by tropical cyclones and are equipped to take appropriate action in times of calamities. Mitigating the impacts of these storms requires a concerted effort. Only through collective action — focused on preparedness, adaptation, and resilience — can we hope to reduce the risks and safeguard the future of the country in an era of increasingly volatile weather patterns.
.
