Navigating challenges and solutions for climate resilience
The climate change discussions at COP29 in Azerbaijan, under the United Nations’ guidance, are encountering obstacles in advancing commitments for addressing loss and damage and meeting clean energy objectives. The attention on climate finance centers on critical matters like the required funding amount, possible funding origins, and the nations set to gain from these financial resources. In addition to financial talks, there are apprehensions regarding adaptation, mitigation endeavors, and managing the impacts of climate change-induced losses and damages.
The implications of sea level rise induced by climate change are particularly grave in countries like the Philippines, where the detrimental effects of climate change are already being keenly felt. The threat posed by increasing sea levels is significant for low-lying coastal areas, resulting in the erosion of beaches. A clear example of this is seen in Boracay, where the roots of coconut trees along the shoreline have become increasingly exposed.
Moreover, the rise in sea levels will exacerbate the risk of flooding in low-lying regions, a reality evidenced by recent events in parts of Metro Manila. This correlation is explored in detail in my earlier opinion piece titled “Is Climate Change Behind Metro Manila’s Recent Floods?”
Given the susceptibility of the Philippines to more frequent and severe typhoons, vulnerable coastal communities are put at great risk. The devastating impact of such natural disasters on these regions underscores the urgency for proactive measures to address climate change and its implications on coastal areas.
In 2012, a study conducted by UP Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) shed light on the vulnerability of coastal communities in Sorsogon. Cesar Villanoy and the research team investigated coastal protection strategies in the face of various climate change scenarios. Their results revealed that a substantial coral reef system in Sorsogon effectively reduced wave impact, thereby diminishing the risk of destructive wave run-up along the coast.
Mangrove protection
Furthermore, the significance of mangroves in shielding coastal populations from severe typhoons was exemplified in Del Carmen, Siargao, during the onslaught of Category 5 Typhoon “Odette.”
The 5,000-hectare mangrove forest in Del Carmen played a vital role in lessening the extent of the destruction. Absent these mangroves, the damage would have been considerably greater, with even large underwater corals being dislodged and overturned by the powerful storm-driven waves.
Efforts to restore damaged reefs, which serve as our primary defense against storm surges, are vital. Recent estimates indicate that only 5 percent of reefs are in excellent condition, underscoring the urgent need for restoration initiatives. This work demands substantial resources to bolster the resilience of coastal communities. Equally important is the rehabilitation of mangrove forests. However, it is essential to exercise caution and refrain from planting in seagrass areas to preserve their ecological functions. Instead, focus on planting mangroves, using the appropriate species, in areas that were previously dominated by mangrove forests.
The current pledges towards addressing climate change impacts are inadequate, especially for smaller nations facing disproportionate challenges. The need for urgent action becomes apparent, with the options of adaptation or relocation being considered. Relocation, while potentially less costly than adaptation through extensive engineering solutions, raises complex questions about land use, available habitable spaces, and competing interests such as agriculture and conservation.
Rising global dependency on fossil fuels
Experts underscore the critical significance of climate mitigation endeavors to lessen the harshness of impending climate change ramifications. While there are pledges towards renewable energy resources, the global dependency on fossil fuels is on the rise, as articulated in the Energy Institute – Statistical Review of World Energy 2024 (refer to Our World in Data at https://ourworldindata.org/fossil-fuels).
This trend is predominantly driven by the leading economies in the world, namely the United States and China, underscoring the urgency for transitioning towards more sustainable sources. To achieve a more favorable climate outlook, there is an imperative need for a united global initiative and a divergence from conventional business practices.
If only we had taken heed much earlier of the warning issued by climate expert Charles David Keeling, who was the first to draw attention to the link between temperature and carbon concentration in the atmosphere, perhaps we would not be in the critical situation we are facing today.
Charles David Keeling, a distinguished American scientist, made significant advancements in our comprehension of the correlation between atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and global temperatures. His pioneering studies, initiated at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii during the late 1950s, have greatly enhanced our understanding of climate change phenomena.
Keeling’s careful observations revealed a consistent increase in carbon dioxide levels over time, linking this trend to human activities that release greenhouse gases. The connection between rising carbon dioxide levels and the resulting higher global temperatures has significantly shaped our understanding of climate change and its impacts.
As discussions at COP29 progress, the call for ambitious financial commitments from wealthy nations remains crucial to support climate action and assist vulnerable countries in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The complexity of the climate change challenge necessitates a multidimensional approach that prioritizes both adaptation and mitigation efforts to secure a more sustainable future for all.
