State of the Art on the Socio-Economics of Climate Change in the Philippines: Expert Synthesis and Benchmarking

Climate change is conceded to have dire effects on the environment, and if left unabated, could result to irreversible damage. The increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather disturbances manifests the onset of this phenomenon which in turn causes havoc to people’s lives, livelihoods, and ultimately endanger food security. This study established the state of the art, or highest level of scientific field achieved, of research on the socio-economics aspects of climate change in the Philippines. The aim is to enable policymakers and stakeholders to formulate calibrated responses on climate change issues and craft policy alternatives and develop strategies for more effective and efficient mitigation of climate impacts.

With funding from PCAARRD, SEARCA synthesized and analyzed the body of climate change-related socioeconomic researches in the Philippines covering the immediate past two decades (1990-2010), when attention to climate change heightened. The research output is a publication that can inform researchers and academics, policymakers and decision-makers, non-government organizations, people’s organizations and even farmer groups, on what is currently known in terms of the socio-economic dimensions of climate change in the Philippines. The study also identified gaps in the current knowledge so that emerging issues can be properly addressed and help chart the course of future socio-economic programs on climate change.

Partner:

• Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD)

Date Completed: March 2012