The highlights from the “Taking Stock: Why Should We Be Concerned About Climate and Sea Level Changes?” forum last August 5, is now available for streaming online, via the OML Center’s YouTube channel.

Organized by the OML Center and the Climate Change Commission and its National Panel of Technical Experts (CCC-NPTE), the forum featured Dr. Benjamin Horton (Earth Observatory Singapore), Dr. Laura David and Dr. Fernando Siringan (UP Marine Science Institute), Dr. Enrico Paringit (Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development), and Dr. Ma. Laurice Jamero (Manila Observatory) as the main speakers, discussing the effects of sea level rise on a global and local scale as well as available data, and new techniques. Dr. Carlos Primo David, chair of the NPTE moderated the forum.

Providing insights on the discussions were Dr. Eulito Casas (UP Visayas Tacloban), Atty. Josine Alexandra Gamboa (Rare Philippines) and Dr. Bjorn Surborg (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH), who underscored the importance of historical data, localizing adaptation, and projections.

Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda and 1st District of Bohol Representative Edgar Chatto delivered messages to the participants, citing studies that identify  the Philippines as one of the most vulnerable to changes in sea levels. 

The online forum was attended by over 180 participants representing academic institutions, civil society organizations, international research organizations, local government units, national government agencies, and the private sector from various regions of the Philippines. 

This is the first of a two-part webinar series and a component of a multi-year study that the Center is conducting in collaboration with the EOS to assess potential impacts of different sea level scenarios and associated hazards in the country.

Watch the highlights reel here.

An article summarizing the forum is also available on the OML Center website.

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