Page 45 - SB volume 12 for web

THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE PHILIPPINES

DEATH OF SEA LIFE Research shows that a healthy, undamaged coral reef can
Being an island nation, the Philippines rely heavily on fish for sustain a yearly harvest of 15-20 tons of reef fish, whereas
food. It’s the 8th biggest fishing nation in the world with the degraded reefs can only sustain 4-5 tons.
yearly haul of two million tons of fish estimated to be worth
$2.5 billion. Increased rainfall also has a negative impact on agriculture.
Rainfall in Tacloban City increased by 257% between 1998
Unfortunately, climate change is already having a devastating and 2011. More rain will result in more flooding, which could
effect on sea life. lead to landslides in upland areas.

Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification from pollution The failure of fruit trees and the postponement of fruit
are killing off the coral reefs surrounding the Philippines. The festivals in Mindanao may be explained by these emerging
result is that fish will have less to feed on and will either die irregular climate patterns.
off or migrate elsewhere. That means far less fish are caught,
driving up prices and leaving thousands hungry. There has also been a rise in pests and diseases in rice, scale
insects in fruit trees, and invasive weeds brought from the
Add to this damage typhoons cause to rice crops and the uplands to the lowlands by various flood occurrences.
Philippines’ booming population and you can see a recipe
for disaster. Between 2006 and 2013, the Philippines was hit by 75
disasters – most of which were typhoons, tropical storms
AGRICULTURE AND FISHING and floods, causing
Temperature spikes of 4-5 degrees Celsius above normal
have been recorded in Philippine oceans. Warmer waters $3.8 billion in damage and losses to the agriculture sector.
damage coral reefs, which can lead to a drop in fish Climate impacts on agriculture are expected to cause an
populations, jeopardizing food security. annual GDP loss of up to 2.2 percent by 2100.

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