EDITORIAL — Climate state of emergency

With the continuing political turbulence and the economic difficulties arising from the Middle East conflict, it is easy to be distracted from the many other problems besetting the nation.

Among these is the existential threat posed to the country by global warming. Scientists have warned that the Philippines is among the countries most vulnerable to the devastating impacts of climate change.

Even without such warnings, the country is repeatedly reminded of the risks, as it suffers regularly from the catastrophic consequences of powerful tropical cyclones, storm surges and severe flooding. In recent years, extreme weather disturbances have become increasingly common across the country, with torrential killer floods hitting even places that used to be relatively free from flooding.

The country is just emerging from one of the hottest dry seasons ever, with farmlands parched and people suffering from “danger” heat levels. Climate experts have pointed out that 2015 to 2025 have been the hottest 11 years on record, with 2025 the second or third hottest year so far.

By 2050, the experts have warned, about three-quarters of the global population could be affected by drought. By 2050, the experts also project that a third of glaciers would have melted, raising ocean levels and endangering coastal areas. The consequent rise in ocean temperature also threatens marine ecosystems and food security in many areas.

Global climate “is in a state of emergency,” according to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

While there is awareness of the environmental risks, however, the Philippines joined the international community in observing World Environment Day on June 5 as national attention was focused on the vicious political warfare that has erupted at the Senate.

This year’s theme for World Environment Day is “inspired by nature, for climate, for our future.” Its official campaign slogan is #NowForClimate – with emphasis on “now.” The country cannot afford to be distracted from the difficult task of confronting climate change.