Covered with soil as if cementing a grave, with no choice but to be buried into a subtle, yet certain eradication. According to the 2024 WorldRiskReport, the Philippines is in its third consecutive year of being the “world’s riskiest country” to the effects of natural disasters.
193 countries were assessed for this report published by the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict. Exposure to natural hazards to the extent of “populations in hazard-prone areas that are exposed to and burdened by the impacts of extreme natural events,” and vulnerability, pertaining to susceptibility, coping, and adaptive capacities were the criteria for the assessment.
Disappointing yet extremely terrifying. As a country prone to natural calamities, we should have established comprehensive adaptive measures to lessen the loss of lives and properties. However, it seems like we are doing otherwise. The Philippines has obtained a score of 39.99 in terms of exposure, and 55.03 in terms of vulnerability. These scores are both considered very high, and when combined, the sum of 46.91 secures our rank as the riskiest country in the world.
As of 2019, New Jersey-based science organization, Climate Central, has published in the open-access journal, Natural Communications, a study that said 150 million people are vulnerable to displacement due to sea-level rise and coastal flooding in 2050, or up to 300 million people at the end of the century, if climate change remains unmitigated. The study has also revealed some cities in the Philippines that may potentially submerge in 30 years—including Manila, Malabon, Navotas, Pasay, Bulacan, Kalibo, Aklan, Roxas City, Cotabato City along Datu Piang and Northern Kabuntan in Maguindanao.
With the foreshadowing of what the future holds for some islands in the Philippines, will the current efforts of the government suffice to save the country from total eradication?
Known, but was chosen to consciously overlook. Amidst the efforts to call for action to mitigate climate change in the past, the Philippine government has continuously remained deaf to the crucial role they play in lessening environmental destruction. From 2001-2022, 1.42 million hectares of trees were cut down, which had also contributed to animal extinction, instilling the government’s apathy to take part in climate justice.
Furthermore, despite having a government agency that supposedly advocates for environmental protection, activities doing otherwise still operate at this point. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has exemplified incapability to remain firm and true to its purpose as it had granted permits to mining companies, the Kaliwa dam construction, and Manila Bay rehabilitation project despite warnings from scientists on the adverse effects of their permission. If every role is critical in mitigating impacts of climate change, there should be no more room for ‘allies’ whose decision-making embodies irony.
Lastly, there has always been a lack of environmental representation in the government. Environmental advocates rarely secure a spot in the government, further silencing their already small voices, while the advocacies of the elected ones are amplified, dominating theirs until the call for environmental justice is once again forgotten. Sadly, the elected officials have always had various causes they are more focused on, leading to lack of legislation that could have amplified calls for climate justice while imposing stricter penalties.
As of 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s proudest mitigation effort is the construction of 5,500 flood control projects. However, the repercussions are too severe, and the band-aid solutions the government is investing is not sustainable, leading to massive waste in resources if not acknowledged. While this may help for the meantime, what awaits the country requires an effort that will totally turn its back from atrocities and selfish activities where all environmental injustices originated.
To the people, elect leaders who advocate for climate justice. If all options have no concern to what threatens to displace their countrymen, their intentions on serving the people should be put in question. Urge the government to refrain from resorting to band-aid solutions, and consider taking actions that will completely put an end to activities destroying the environment and its defenders. At this point, there should be no more room for apathy or pretentiousness of not knowing what the future may be, if as individuals we fail to take part in saving the planet.
To the government, punish entities who have been engaging in environmentally-destructive activities in pursuit of self-interest. Create more laws that will regulate consumption of natural resources and invest in educating the people from various sectors to urge them to take action. As leaders of the country, you are expected to be on the frontline of advocating for climate justice, and should refrain from making excuses of overlooking this overdue problem threatening the future of your people.
A country placed in the graveyard, thrown with repercussions as if about to bid its farewell. The Philippines stands at a crossroad: will it fall into the trap of neglect, or will it rise up for a better change for its future? The choice lies in the hands of every Filipino—united, we must not bury the hatchet and focus on recovering the future we look forward to.
Article: Danielle Barredo
Cartoon: Allain Chesca Arcaya
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