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Contact Us:
Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda
Green Economist
Manuel Nong C. Rangasa
Executive Director-CIRCA
Mobile: +63.906.333.9400
Telefax: +63.52.480.3649
Email: info@albaycirca.org
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It is now widely recognized that climate change adaptation is happening. It is a threat to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals and will make it more difficult to alleviate poverty in the developing world (Yohe et al., 2007; Sperling 2003).
The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group I Report concludes that there is “very high confidence that the globally averaged net effect in human activities since 1950 has been one of warming” (IPCC WG1, 2007). In fact, evidence exists showing that anthropogenic warming has had a discernible influence on many physical and biological systems (IPCC WG2, 2007). While mitigation activities will be beneficial, the IPCC concludes that adaptation will be necessary to address impacts resulting from the warming which is already unavailable due to past emissions (IPCC WG2, 2007). A global study in many developing countries also concluded that there is a need to adapt now to climate change (Leary et al., 2006). The UNFCCC also recognizes the need for climate change adaptation. This is reflected in the setting up of various adaptation funds to help developing countries cope with climate change.
The Philippines being an archipelagic developing country composed of more than 7,100 small islands is highly vulnerable to climate-related hazards. Farmers have to cope with an average of 20 tropical cyclones a year as well as the recurring El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. Especially vulnerable are upland farmers who rely on rainfall for water supply. The country is also characterized by several mountains/ hilly lands and is dominated by problem soils characterized by steep slopes and fertility limitations.
Upland farming communities and watershed resources in the Philippines are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Upland farmers rely on natural rainfall as source of water for their crops. As a result, they are easily affected by changes in precipitation patterns. A recent study in a Philippine watershed shows that climate variations have significant impact to crop yields. These impacts range from water scarcity that affect yield to damage to crops by strong winds.
The province of Albay has been especially exposed to various climate risks such as tropical cyclones. These could worsen as a result of climate change. The coastal areas must be protected also from sea level rise and storm surges. Communities living along the coastline and in the uplands must be prepared to meet these challenges to the environment, their livelihood and their homes. There is therefore a need to start discussion on how the Philippines can best adapt to the changing climate.
The Albay Provincial legislation unanimously proclaimed the 1st and pioneering prototype for local Climate Change Adaptation, launching in Albay in Action on Climate Change (A2C2), and resolved that environment shall be included in the curricula of all schools, colleges and universities in Albay in August 2007.
The scope of the program shall include biodiversity, agricultural resources, wetlands, dry and humid lands, marine and coastal resources. The main strategies of this program are climate adaptation, quality education and direction based on the ‘public and private partnership initiatives’. It addresses the critical needs of the province for its development linked on social interaction, quality education, employment, health care, poverty eradication and for a just, clean and healthy sustainable environment accessible to all. |
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