Stormy Holidays in a Warming World

As the festive season nears, the Philippines is not just preparing for celebrations but also for an increase in severe weather conditions.

The latest Philippine Climate Change Assessment (PhilCCA) report has shed light on the alarming rise of tropical cyclones during the Christmas season, with a 210% increase since 2012. This presents a growing threat to communities already familiar with the devastation caused by typhoons, particularly as storms now pack more intensity, as seen in recent examples like Typhoon Kristine.

The PhilCCA study attributes the rise in these off-season typhoons to human-induced climate change. Warmer sea surface temperatures are fueling storms, making them stronger and more frequent. These findings are not just academic concerns. Typhoons are now dumping more rain, which leads to more flooding, compounded by rising sea levels, putting vulnerable areas, especially coastal and agricultural communities, at greater risk.

While scientists have long warned about these shifts, the impacts have become more pronounced in the southern Philippines. Typhoons in this region have surged by 480%, a worrying trend confirmed by local climate experts. Communities, especially in Visayas and Mindanao, now face stronger storms and heavier rainfall during a period that was once relatively storm-free.

Given these grim forecasts, the need for disaster preparedness is clearer than ever. Local governments should not wait for tragedy to strike before acting. The straightforward requirements of Republic Act 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Act of 2010, provide a guide for proactive measures. Yet, the challenge lies in consistent implementation and adaptation to the worsening effects of climate change.

Key provisions of the DRRM Act call for Local Government Units (LGUs) to establish and maintain functional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs). These offices should be armed with up-to-date local climate data and equipped to respond to disaster risks specific to their areas. It’s a straightforward requirement, yet many LGUs remain underprepared, with disaster response plans often reactive rather than proactive. This is where the law’s full execution can be a game changer.

The recent roundtable on Urban Climate Finance further highlights the gap between climate finance and its effective use in the Philippines. Local governments must create comprehensive monitoring systems for climate initiatives, as experts argue that current Annual Investment Programs fall short in tracking these efforts. The lack of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms hampers accountability, making it difficult to ensure that funds earmarked for disaster preparedness and climate action are truly making a difference on the ground.

In a country as disaster-prone as the Philippines, complacency in climate adaptation is not an option. LGUs must elevate their standards, not just to meet DRRM Act requirements but to safeguard their constituents. Typhoons that strike during Christmas serve as stark reminders that climate change doesn’t respect seasons or holidays. As the festive spirit fills homes, local governments should ensure that families are also protected from the storms brewing on the horizon.

Addressing the climate crisis requires forward-thinking leadership. In a season meant for joy and reflection, we must also prepare for the realities of stronger, more frequent typhoons. For every missed opportunity to implement disaster risk reduction policies, the country pays in lives lost and billions of pesos in damages. We cannot afford further delay in acting on climate adaptation.