Climate change – a substantial and enduring alteration in the Earth’s average temperatures and weather patterns – is deteriorating. In fact, greenhouse gas levels have reached unprecedented heights, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
WMO Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett acknowledged that carbon dioxide, one of the three primary greenhouse gases alongside methane and nitrous oxide, is now building up in the atmosphere at a rate “faster than any time recorded in human history.”
“These are more than statistics,” the WMO deputy chief insisted. “Every part per million matters, every fraction of a degree of temperature increase matters; it matters in terms of the speed of glacier and ice retreat, the acceleration of sea level rise, ocean heat and acidification. It matters in terms of the number of people who will be exposed to extreme heat every year, the extinction of species, the impact on our ecosystems and economies.”
“Climate crunch time is here,” said Inger Andersen, executive director of United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). “We need global mobilization on a scale and pace never seen before, starting right now…”
Are Filipinos cognizant of the current situation? A survey conducted by the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI) stated that only 22% of Filipinos were positive about the government’s efforts to address climate change. More than half (53%) were unsure, reflecting a lack of awareness about these efforts.
“There is a need for visible action,” says Dr. Vincenzo Bollettino, program director of the HHI Resilient Communities and co-lead for the study. “The government can take steps to collaborate more closely with communities, civil society groups, the private sector, and academia to support adaptive measures,” he notes.
According to a survey, over 85% acknowledged the existence of climate change, with nearly half (46%) expecting to experience substantial effects within the next five years. Many foresee that climate change will adversely affect economic conditions in this timeframe, with concerns about rapid inflation (43%), loss of income (43%), and issues related to poverty and hunger (34%).
In contrast, fewer individuals express worry regarding health impacts, with 26% citing potential harm, injuries, or illnesses, and only 10% mentioning the possibility of increased mortality or deaths.
Filipinos might not fully recognize the health risks associated with climate change, which are considerable. Dr. Bollettino, however, emphasizes that increasing temperatures and severe weather occurrences can intensify health hazards, resulting in a rise in heat-related conditions, diseases transmitted by vectors, and mental health issues.
Now, here comes a new study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) entitled, “Climate Change Perceptions and Climate Finance Mechanisms in the Philippines: A 2025 Assessment.” The research investigated the relationship between public perceptions of climate change and the country’s climate finance mechanisms and institutional capabilities.
This study integrated results from the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) 2024 Climate Change Perception Survey with insights from key informant interviews, policy evaluations, and analyses of climate finance frameworks.
Based on the ADB survey, the research highlighted that 90% of Filipinos view climate change as a significant issue, with 86% believing it is currently impacting their families or will do so within the next ten years. These results position Filipinos among the most climate-aware populations in Asia.
The public’s concerns mirror the increasing vulnerability of the country to climate-related risks. Flooding was identified as the primary climate concern by 71.1% of participants, followed by heat waves at 54.37% and erratic weather patterns at 45.62%.
The PIDS report indicates that the Philippines has been experiencing temperatures above the normal range since the 1980s, with an increase in the annual mean temperature of 0.75°C recorded from 1951 to 2021.
These patterns have considerable economic implications. According to World Bank forecasts, climate change may lead to a reduction in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 6 percent to 8 percent by the year 2040, with potential losses reaching as high as 13.6 percent.
Similarly, the ADB anticipates economic losses amounting to 5.3 percent of GDP by 2040 as a result of rising sea levels, flooding, and decreased labor productivity.
While many Filipinos are aware of the effects of climate change and the threats it poses to their lives and communities, the HHI study revealed that a significant portion of the population has not taken proactive steps to address its potential impacts.
In particular, 66% of people have not engaged in any actions, and among those who have, the majority focus on environmental conservation efforts. These efforts include activities such as tree planting (21%), reducing energy consumption (15%), conserving water (15%), enhancing insulation (7%), and using renewable energy sources (7%). Only a small percentage has pursued more significant initiatives to adapt their livelihoods (7%) or to relocate from at-risk areas (5%).
On the other hand, the PIDS survey revealed substantial public backing for practical climate solutions. Nearly 60% of Filipinos endorse investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, and public transportation systems. Support for initiatives like carbon taxes and stricter emissions regulations was comparatively lower, indicating a stronger public inclination towards tangible investments that enhance resilience.
Filipinos also demonstrated a preference for transparent and accountable financing mechanisms. Approximately 45.55% supported the reduction of corruption and tax evasion as a means to finance climate action, while 44.7% advocated for increased assistance from international climate funds. Despite robust public support for climate initiatives, the study identified considerable challenges in implementation.
Interviews conducted for the research indicated that numerous local government units (LGUs) still encounter obstacles in accessing and utilizing climate finance. Limited technical expertise, insufficient capacity for project preparation, and complicated funding requirements frequently hinder local governments from tapping into financing mechanisms such as the People’s Survival Fund and international climate finance facilities.
Areas near the shorelines will vanish little by little.
“The Philippines is uniquely positioned among Asian economies because Filipinos show exceptionally high levels of climate awareness and concern,” the study noted. “However, institutional barriers continue to limit the country’s ability to mobilize and deploy climate finance effectively.”
Researchers assert that tackling climate change necessitates more than just boosting financial resources. It is equally crucial to fortify institutions, enhance policy coordination, improve the capacity of local governments, and broaden access to climate finance to ensure that the resources at hand lead to effective climate action.
“Achieving these ambitions will require enhanced multilateral partnerships, domestic regulatory reforms, and inclusive stakeholder engagement to transform commitments into tangible low-carbon outcomes,” the authors added.
The PIDS study ultimately contends that climate change has evolved into a challenge that encompasses governance, financing, and development, rather than being merely an environmental concern. Although there is already significant public support for climate initiatives, the effectiveness of the country’s response will hinge on the ability of institutions and financing systems to adapt to the escalating climate risks.
