Stop COVID Deaths Webinar #150: 1st National Panel of Technical Experts Policy Forum: “Rising Sea Level : Kapag Tumaas Ang Dagat, Malulunod Ba Tayo?”

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Webinar #150
June 16, 2023 (Friday) 12nn
1st National Panel of Technical Experts Policy Forum:
“Rising Sea Level: Kapag Tumaas Ang Dagat, Malulunod Ba Tayo?”

Presenter:
DR. SUSAN PINEDA-MERCADO
Director on Food Systems and Resiliency, Hawaii Public Health Institute
Co-Chair of the National Panel of Technical Experts, Climate Change Commission

Reactors:
DR. NATHANIEL R. ALIBUYOG
Vice President for Research and Extension, Mariano Marcos State University
Member of the National Panel of Technical Experts, Climate Change Commission

DR. EDUARDO O. MANGAOANG
Co-Chair of the National Panel of Technical Experts, Climate Change Commission

ENGR. MERIAM M. SANTILLAN
Professor, Department of Geodetic Engineering, Caraga State University
Member of the National Panel of Technical Experts, Climate Change Commission

Synthesis & Closing Remarks:
DR. STELLA MARIE L. JOSE
Head, Office of Expanded Education and Training
UP Philippine General Hospital

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June 16, 2023 (Friday) 12nn
Webinar #150
1st National Panel of Technical Experts Policy Forum:
“Rising Sea Level: Kapag Tumaas Ang Dagat, Malulunod Ba Tayo?”

As the world grapples with the devastating consequences of climate change, sea-level rise stands out as one of the most prominent and far-reaching challenges. The Philippines has observed a sea level rise (SLR) of 60 centimeters, about three times that of the global average. Theoretically, it can be slowed down, but there is no current evidence that it can be reversed. With 70% of the Philippine population living in coastal areas, this is one of the most serious long-term climate change threats to our archipelago. Why is the sea level rising? How does it happen? Will this harm us?

Sea level rises are due to the increase in water volume from melting ice on land and water as well as water expansion due to heating. The result causes seawater inundation in coastal areas, shoreline erosion, coastal flooding, saltwater intrusion, and storm surge vulnerability. All of these have severe impacts on health and survival.

Sea level rise is not sudden nor dramatic. It happens slowly and now puts many of our islands at risk over the coming years. It is considered a slow-onset event, making it less visible compared to other climate change impacts like super storms or drought and floods, and is therefore less likely to be high on the political agenda of the nation’s leaders.

In this episode of STOP C.O.V.I.D. DEATHS, our special edition on climate change will explore the multifaceted effects of rising sea levels on the Philippines, a nation acutely vulnerable to its consequences. We will delve into the direct and indirect impacts on coastal communities, marine ecosystems, infrastructure, and the socio-economic fabric of the region. Through comprehensive analysis, we will shed light on the imminent risks and implications for millions of people residing in low-lying areas.

We will bring together speakers and scientists from the National Panel of Technical Experts (NPTE) of the Climate Change Commission. Our main speaker, Dr. Susan Pineda-Mercado, is the Director on Food Systems and Resiliency at the Hawaii Public Health Institute as well as the Co-Chair of the NPTE and will provide an overview on the science of sea level rise and its effects on communities. Our other speakers are as follows: Dr. Nathaniel Alibuyog, who is the Vice President for Research and Extension at Mariano Marcos State University and a Member of the NPTE, will talk about trends and projections on sea level rise in the Philippines; Dr. Eduardo Mangaoang, who serves as Co-Chair of the NPTE, will present case studies from Visayas; and Engineer Meriam Santillan, who is Professor at the Department of Geodetic Engineering of Caraga State University and a Member of the NPTE, will discuss case studies from Mindanao. Finally, the Synthesis and Closing Remarks will be delivered by the Head of the PGH Office of Expanded Education and Training, Dr. Stella Marie L. Jose.

This webinar is a unique opportunity for researchers, policymakers, environmental advocates, and concerned citizens to come together and examine adaptation strategies and discuss policy interventions. We aim to equip attendees with valuable insights and actionable solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of rising sea levels as well as spur on collective action to protect vulnerable communities and preserve our planet for future generations.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation and contribute to a sustainable future. Together, we can STOP C.O.V.I.D. DEATHS!