Impacts of Climate Change in the Philippines (Health, Society and Ecosystem)

Yes it is, climate change is considered as one of the world's major problems nowadays. Just like here in the Philippines, we are all experiencing its tragic effects. But before we go to its impacts, let me first share something from what I have read about its causes.

Do you know that besides from what we are commonly hearing causes of climate change like smoke belching from cars and factory chimneys, according to the World Agro Forestry, there are also other reasons that more likely contribute to climate change.

Some of those reasons that somewhat I am also agreeing with are the following:
- Not a priority or major concern
- Lack knowledge, appreciation and interest; Perspective of people that climate change is not our problem but of the first world's; necessity not recognized
- Lack of academic discussion on climate change in schools
- Lack of public support/community involvement; impacts are not felt at the local level

As I have said, these correspond to tragic impacts here in the Philippines. For instance, climate change creates:

In Plants and Crops:
- Decrease of rice yield
- Decrease in production of other crops

In Animals:
- Fish Kills and killings of other aquatic animals
- Disturbance in the food chain

In Humans:
- Devastation of fishery and agricultural sectors
- Increase of health problems like heat stress, heat stroke, dehydration, mosquito-borne diseases and water-borne diseases like cholera and typhoid fever
- Lack of clean and safe drinking water
- Hunger and poverty

In the Environment:
- Irregular monsoon and extreme weather disturbances
- Coral bleaching
- Red Tide/ Rise of sea level
- Increased occurrences of landslides and floods
- Increasing disaster prone areas

To further illustrate some more effects of climate change in the Philippines, here's a video from the World Bank:

References:

http://www.oceanheritage.com.ph/impacts-of-climate-change-to-philippines-marine-ecosystem/
http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/aboutcc/problems/rising_temperatures/hotspot_map/philippines.cfm
http://resilience.comste.gov.ph/files/primer.pdf

Images & Video:

http://www.google.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1XGxo3vB2Q