Climate Change Impacts on Coastal Communities

Abstract

One of the primary resources that Filipinos depend on for food and livelihood is marine biodiversity. On the other hand, with the advent of climate change, there have been unprecedented environmental shifts, characterized by sea level rise and increasing ocean temperatures. In this regard, this chapter will delve into the potential ramifications of the shifts to the coastal habitats, with a subsequent effect on food security. To comprehensively examine the extent of the impact, distribution maps of habitats, fisher population, and fisher density were used in identifying the most susceptible provinces. Findings have shown that those include the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, and Tawi-Tawi (ARMM), alongside South Cotabato, Cotabato City (Region XII), South Cotabato, Cotabato City (Region XII), and Bulacan and Pampanga (Region III). Additionally, the chapter delved into the assessment of coastal inundation vulnerability through storm surge and sea level rise simulations, with emphasis on the municipalities within these vulnerable provinces that require urgent attention. In light of the findings, implementing protective measures for all three habitats coupled with the provision of alternative livelihood for fisher folks is one of the ways to address these challenges. The study also looks into leveraging the capacity of mangrove and seagrass ecosystems for carbon sequestration. It suggests that the Philippines should explore debt trading to preserve its coastal habitats, resulting in better carbon sequestration and marine resources.