Global Climate Change

Status and Challenges & Implications in the Philippine Context

By Mark Anthony D. Abenir, MCD Department of Social Sciences University of Santo Tomas

Topic Outline:
Current State of Knowledge on CC Causes of CC Impacts of CC Responses to CC Challenges and Initiatives

Current State of Knowledge on Climate Change

Climate Change:
A long term global phenomenon, and though uncertainty exists, has potentially large and irreversible impacts. No longer a scientific debate From environmental to developmental issue Existing non-climate factors will magnify the impacts Although global in nature, impacts and responses are site-specific

Causes of Climate Change

Causes of Climate Change:

Natural processes e.g. volcanic eruptions Anthropogenic activities* Population increase Land use and cover change Urbanization Industrialization Non environment-friendly technologies Unsustainable production systems

Impacts of Climate Change

Responses to Climate Change: Mitigation & Adaptation

Mitigation:
Unless emissions are reduced, climate change will bring high costs for human development, economies and the environment. Strong mitigation is fully consistent with sustainable development in poor and rich countries.

Mitigation policy can also be designed to support other objectives::

Energy - air quality, energy security and energy access Forestry - watershed protection, biodiversity, rural livelihood

Adaptation:
Adaptation is inevitable: climate change is with us and more is on the way. Adaptation mainly driven by actions in private sector but public policy has crucial role. Adaptation cannot be a substitute for mitigation. It can only reduce the costs of climate change; for severe impacts there are limits to what adaptation can achieve. Extra costs of weather-related impacts, associated with climate change, are rising rapidly. Investment is required to reduce damage.

Adaptation in Developing Countries:

Impacts will be felt earliest and strongest by the most vulnerable Development itself enhances capacity and flexibility crucial for adaptation Adaptation will put strong pressure on developing country budgets. International action has a key role in supporting Disaster response Crop varieties and technology Forecasting climate and weather

Challenges and Issues

Mitigation policy can also be designed to support other objectives::

Energy - air quality, energy security and energy access Forestry - watershed protection, biodiversity, rural livelihood

I am convinced that climate change, and what we do about it, will define us, our era, and ultimately the global legacy we leave for future generations. Today, the time for doubt has passed. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon 24 September 2007

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