Manila, Philippines — The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) has called on the government to immediately declare a National Climate Emergency to address the worsening effects of hot weather and climate change in the country.
Among its calls are the implementation of immediate measures such as better water management, support for farmers, and strengthening programs that will address climate resilience to reduce the damage caused by drought.
According to PMCJ senior campaign officer Laica Rayel, due to the extreme heat experienced by the entire country, the agricultural sector is one of the most affected, particularly farmers, due to lack of irrigation and the continued increase in production costs.
She said that if the situation is not addressed promptly, the situation could cause wider effects such as food shortages and rising prices of basic commodities.
It also emphasized that if the government implements science-based climate action plans and abandons the use of fossil fuels, it will help a lot. Based on the report of the state weather bureau, up to 15 provinces in Luzon are experiencing severe drought.
A state of calamity has also been declared in the provinces of Isabela and Cagayan. Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) continues to monitor the weather and advises the public to be prepared for the possible more severe effects of the summer in the coming months.
Drought occurs due to a prolonged absence or lack of rain, which causes dry land and lack of water supply.
It is exacerbated by natural phenomena such as El Niño, climate change that is warming the world, and natural weather cycles.—Grachella Corazon, Eurotv News