MANILA, Philippines—Baguio City, densely populated and right on the typhoon belt, is most exposed and vulnerable to extreme weather events compared to other major regional cities in the Philippines, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines (WWF).
A Climate Risk Assessment Study made by the WWF-Philippines and the Bank of the Philippine Islands Foundation Inc. of the cities of Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao showed that the northern Luzon metropolis has become most vulnerable to climate change.
Baguio City most vulnerable to climate change—study
By: Kristine L. Alave - 10 years ago
VULNERABLE CITY. A view of Baguio City, considered the most vulnerable to climate change among four cities outside the National Capital Region due to its vulnerable to extreme weather events, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines, which did the study. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Baguio City, densely populated and right on the typhoon belt, is most exposed and vulnerable to extreme weather events compared to other major regional cities in the Philippines, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines (WWF).
A Climate Risk Assessment Study made by the WWF-Philippines and the Bank of the Philippine Islands Foundation Inc. of the cities of Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao showed that the northern Luzon metropolis has become most vulnerable to climate change.
WWF-Philippines chief executive officer Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan said the study should give city planners and government agencies insights on how to plan their cities with these challenges ahead.
“Each city faces its own set of advantages and disadvantages in adapting to a sustainable future. Now that we have the insights, from the potential of Cebu to grow by establishing its own airport to the threat of rising sea levels to Iloilo’s reclaimed lands, WWF and BPI Foundation invite institutions within these cities and the government in particular to initiate more eco-friendly solutions for the development of our country,” shares WWF-Philippines Vice-Chair and CEO Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan.
The WWF released its findings as world leaders conduct another round of talks under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Durban, South Africa.
The UN FCCC eyes to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2050 and stop the planet from heating up by 2 degrees C, which would cause extreme weather events.
According to the study, Baguio City, the country’s summer capital, is the most exposed to climate change effects, with rains seen as its number one enemy. Intense storms would result to flooding and landslides, which could cut off Baguio City from economic activities.
It would also be harder for the metropolis to respond to the changes due to rapid urbanization and high population density, the WWF said.
