The surging seas are coming for all of us

“Life on earth first emerged from the sea. As sea level rises, we find ourselves facing the prospect that once again we may quite literally become ocean”. - John Luther Adams

During the Pacific Islands Forum held on Tuesday in Tonga, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres raised the alarm anew on rising sea levels that threaten to engulf several island nations in the Pacific. A recent report released by the World Meteorological Organization stated that the rise of sea levels and sea temperatures are worsening especially in the Pacific Ocean (WMO). The report revealed that the rise of sea levels in the said region is outstripping global averages. Global warming and climate change are seen as the primary cause of this dangerous trend.

The report emphasized that the impact of rising water levels is disproportionately high on the island nations in the Pacific. The average elevation of these island nations is just a meter or two above sea level. As such, the increase in the rate of the rise of sea levels, even if measured in centimeters over recent years, is quite serious. Island nations such as Tonga and Tuvalu are now feeling the seriousness of the threat. Despite the fact that the danger of sinking is still years away, many of these nations are considering measures to meet the danger.

Given that the WMO report covered mainly the Pacific islands, it would be understandable for us here in the Philippines to think that the problem is far away. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Last month, the Philippine Climate Change Assessment report was released along with the National Adaptation Plan (NAP). One of the findings stated in the report was that Manila “has experienced a rapid increase in the sea level”. Among the causes cited by the report were long-term land subsidence caused by excessive groundwater extraction, warming of the ocean, and climate change in general.

The report projected that “almost 17 percent of the Philippines’ islands” will be submerged by 2100, putting at risk 64 provinces and an estimated 13.6 million Filipinos would need relocation. According the Greenpeace East Asia, several low-lying coastal areas in the Philippines will feel the effects of rising sea levels and storm surges as early as 2030 to 2050.

What can or should we do about the situation? Scientists have long pointed to greenhouse gas emissions as the primary cause of climate change. Although the Philippine share of global greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions is at 0.48 percent, our GHG emissions are steadily increasing due to energy generation and transportation emissions. Joint efforts by private and government entities to ramp down coal and fuel power plants and replace them with alternate energy sources should be encouraged and supported more. A shift to electric-powered or other alternate energy vehicles should also be supported.

There are several foreign groups interested in co-developing solar and wind-powered energy farms. There are also several groups interested in investing in marketing then possibly producing e-powered vehicles. Unfortunately, there are several criticisms against alternate energy with cost as a primary deterrent. There are several innovators doing deep dive research on alternate energy. Hopefully, new technology will come in to answer these drawbacks.

Individually, we must all do our part to cut down GHG. Whatever the cost and difficulty we must find a way to avert the looming disaster.

Preparation is also important. Mapping out areas most vulnerable to rising sea levels will help the government plan and respond faster to the effects of the threat. Do we as a country and a race have what it takes to contribute to the lessening of GHG or even do what is needed to prepare for the looming disaster? The seas are coming for us all and we need the answer to that question soon.

This is my oblique observation.

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in the foregoing article are solely the author’s and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the Philippine News Agency (PNA) or any other office under the Presidential Communications Office.