UN to help Philippine cities prepare for effects of climate change

The Mindanao Examiner states that the United Nations World Food Programme is partnering with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme to support the Philippine government’s initiatives in building resilience to climate change. Under the 12-month partnership “Joint WFP/UN-Habitat Initiative on Philippine Cities and Climate Change Adaptation,” the cities of Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and Iloilo - all of which have been in the path of Typhoon Bopha - will be assessed for ecological, physical, and socio-economic risks due to climate change. Local government personnel will receive training in planning and implementing activities that will help their communities adapt to the negative effects of a changing climate.

The four cities were selected based on various criteria, such as flood, drought, and rising sea levels in coastal areas. Also the Local government commitment to building their capacities to implement adaptation measures were considered. Stephen Anderson, WFP Philippines Country Director and Representative, said in a statement, “Empowering local governments and communities to adapt to climate change is key to this joint initiative. We hope that this assistance will eventually allow for the inclusion of appropriate climate change adaptation actions in each city’s local development plan.”