Is the Philippines vulnerable to climate change?
CLS: Vulnerability is dictated by a number of factors, including access to resources. The Philippines is vulnerable because of its high level of poverty incidence and the inequality between urban and rural populations. It’s also vulnerable because of its physical characteristics. It’s in the typhoon belt. It’s an island nation, with many communities in the coastal areas. Any rise in sea level will affect the communities. It can lead to saltwater inundation of agricultural lands and pollute water sources. A small increase in sea level also increases the incidence of high tides, typhoon, cyclones. You get a lot more water coming in. It comes on land, destroy homes. This will become worse under climate change. IPS: What are the worrisome signs that the Philippines is now experiencing climate change? CLS: The communities that Oxfam are working in are saying that they’re now experiencing changes in temperature. There’s a delay on the onset of rainy seasons, and that it is hard to tell the d
