Climate Change intensifies typhoon season in the Philippines: Greenpeace calls for action

A groundbreaking study by World Weather Attribution reveals that climate change has made November’s typhoon series in the Philippines nearly twice as likely. Furthermore, the study highlights a 25% increase in the probability of the country experiencing at least three Category 3-5 typhoons annually.

Greenpeace Southeast Asia climate campaigner Jefferson Chua responded forcefully to these findings, pointing fingers at fossil fuel giants.

“Scientists are quick to conclude what policymakers are too slow to act on: killer typhoons are made worse by climate polluters like Shell, Total, and other oil and gas firms,” said Chua. “Big Oil caused 13 million Filipinos to suffer through an unprecedented series of six typhoons in just 30 days. The Philippine government must leverage its position as host of the UN climate loss and damage fund to compel developed countries to pay reparations and force oil companies to halt drilling and start paying.”

The study emphasizes the role of fossil fuels in exacerbating extreme weather events, predicting more intense typhoons and heatwaves for the Philippines. Damage from recent typhoons, including Kong Rey, Usagi, Xinying, and others, is estimated to cost half a billion US dollars. This figure excludes the personal costs borne by ordinary citizens, such as destroyed homes, lost income, and damaged property.

Global Response and Local Voices

The release of the study coincides with hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, where Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra delivered a statement advocating for legal remedies to protect climate-vulnerable nations. Guevarra emphasized the need for countries to regulate both public and private entities to prevent harm and ensure reparations when wrongful acts occur.

At a parallel event, The People’s Museum of Climate Justice was launched, showcasing art and narratives from climate impact survivors, including representatives from the Philippines. Tony Abletes, a youth leader from Eastern Samar, voiced the urgent need for justice:

“The climate crisis is most felt in our communities, and these consequences stem from actions we had little to do with. We’ve brought our stories here to The Hague because they must be central to climate discussions, along with our urgent call for states to make polluters pay for loss and damage.”

Greenpeace’s Call to Action

Greenpeace Philippines is urging governments worldwide to resist intimidation from oil and gas companies, prevent fossil fuel expansion, and enforce accountability for the damage caused by climate change. According to a survey by Greenpeace International, making climate polluters pay is the most favored policy among Filipinos.

As the Philippines faces the grim reality of intensifying typhoons, the call for action has never been more urgent.