Quezon city: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and UNICEF Philippines have called for intensified child-focused climate action following a new climate landscape analysis that identifies Filipino children as among the most vulnerable to climate impacts worldwide.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Climate Landscape Analysis for Children (CLAC) was launched in Quezon City, revealing significant threats to Filipino children's health, nutrition, education, water, and safety due to climate change. UNICEF Philippines Deputy Representative, Behzad Noubary, explained that the analysis provides a detailed view of climate-related risks disaggregated by region, indicating a need for investment in climate-smart social services.
DENR Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh highlighted the report's findings on how damaged ecosystems and worsening climate hazards directly threaten children's well-being. She emphasized integrating children's rights into climate policies, particularly the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), to address vulnerabilities and enhance climate-sensitive approaches at both national and local levels.
Climate Change Commission (CCC) Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert EA Borje stressed the balance required between mitigation and adaptation efforts for developing countries like the Philippines. He also noted the necessity for increased climate finance to support local social sectors.
The CLAC report indicates that 31.4 percent of Filipino children live in multidimensional poverty, making them more susceptible to extreme weather, food insecurity, malnutrition, unsafe water, and interrupted schooling. UNICEF Representative to the Philippines, Kyungsun Kim, warned that by 2050, nearly all children will face at least five annual heatwaves, exacerbating health risks such as heatstroke and increasing the likelihood of diseases like dengue and malaria due to more frequent typhoons and shifting rainfall patterns.
The DENR and CCC are using the report's findings to tailor the NAP and assist local governments in bolstering resilience planning and accessing climate finance. Borje highlighted that only 2.4 percent of climate spending currently supports child-responsive projects, an issue that requires immediate attention.
Kim described the climate crisis as a 'child rights crisis' and urged for increased investment in climate-resilient health, education, nutrition, and protection services. She also advocated for improved data collection, stronger inter-agency collaboration, and meaningful participation of children and youth in climate-related decisions.
