As climate change continues to impact our nation, it is crucial to understand how each region is uniquely affected and what measures can be taken to adapt to and mitigate these effects.
The Oscar M. Lopez Center for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management Foundation Inc., published the Regional Climate Overviews which aims to provide detailed insights into each region’s climate type, climate impacts, vulnerabilities, recent history of extreme weather events, potential adaptation strategies, and the some of the notable initiatives being done in the respective region.
The RCOs featured on this page represent the first release of this biennial publication, offering a deep dive into the climate profiles of the 17 regions across the country.
This initiative was made possible with the support of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Data used to produce the RCOs come from national and local government agencies, including but not limited to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Philippine Statistics Authority, and PAGASA, as well as from the Philippine Climate Change Assessment Report.
Understanding Regional Climate Overviews
- Climate Type
In this section, the RCO provide insights into the different climate types experienced across each region.
Currently, the Philippines is classified into four major climate types based on rainfall distribution:
TYPE I: Two pronounced seasons— dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year. Maximum rain period is from June to September.
TYPE II: No dry season with a very pronounced maximum rain period from December to February. There is not a single dry month. Minimum monthly rainfall occurs during the period from December to February or from March to May.
TYPE III: No very pronounced maximum rain period, with a dry season lasting only from one to three months, either during the period from December to February or from March to May. This type resembles Type I since it has a short dry season.
TYPE IV: Rainfall is more or less evenly distributed throughout the year. This type resembles Type II since it has no dry season. - Key Climate Impacts & Vulnerabilities:
In this section, learn how climate change impacts each region, from rising sea levels and increased frequency of typhoons to prolonged droughts and flooding. Understand the most pressing environmental challenges and socio-economic vulnerabilities each region faces. - Extreme Events
Each region has its own history of dealing with extreme weather events. This section noted significant extreme weather events that have occurred in each region over recent years. - Potential Adaptation Strategies
Adapting to climate change is essential for building resilient communities. The RCOs offer various strategies and initiatives that can be implemented across the region to adapt to their identified climate risks and vulnerabilities. This includes government policies, community-based initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and technological innovations. Discover how regions are working to safeguard their future and ensure sustainable development.
CLIMATE FACT SHEETS
In addition to our Regional Climate Overviews, the Oscar M. Lopez Center has developed several informative Fact Sheets over the years that are available for download. These Fact Sheets provide detailed information on various climate-related topics:
- Fact Sheet: Drawing Weather Phenomena Together: Rainy Season
This Fact Sheet provides definitions and explanations of various weather phenomena commonly encountered during the rainy season. It includes definitions of concepts such as “tropical cyclone,” “ENSO,” and “monsoon,” among others. - Fact Sheet: Climate Change and Limiting Warming to 1.5 °C
Focused on the basics of climate change, this Fact Sheet explains what differentiates climate from weather, how climate change impacts are felt in the Philippines, and what limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees means. - Fact Sheet: Addressing Climate Change
This Fact Sheet answers frequently asked questions related to climate action, such as the impact of clean energy, differentiating adaptation and mitigation, and what appropriate action to climate hazards means. - Fact Sheet: Climate Change and Risk Management
Outlining the climate-related risks that affect the Philippines, this Fact Sheet details how these risks impact various sectors and how the Philippine government supports action on climate change. - Fact Sheets and Primers on the IPCC 6th Assessment Report
These resources help communicators and researchers write about the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report. Available materials include:
- Primer on IPCC Working Group 1 Report (Download)
- IPCC AR6 Working Group 1 Highlights (Go to Page)
- Primer on IPCC Working Group 2 Report (Download)
- IPCC AR6 Working Group 2 Highlights (Download)
- IPCC AR6 Report on Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability for Communicators (Go to Page)