The Philippines has ranked third in Asia for experiencing the most “unusual heat” over the past three months, as revealed by a recent report from Climate Central. The study found that the country faced temperatures reaching Climate Shift Index (CSI) level 2 or higher for 74 days between December and February. These extreme heat events are largely driven by human-caused climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels.
Understanding the Climate Shift Index
The Climate Shift Index (CSI) is a tool that measures how much daily temperatures are influenced by climate change. A CSI level 2 indicates that the observed heat is significantly affected by climate change. The Philippines, alongside other countries in Asia, has seen a sharp rise in such extreme temperatures, with 10 nations recording more than 30 days of CSI level 2 or higher. Brunei Darussalam and the Maldives ranked first and second, with 83 and 81 days, respectively.
Manila’s Struggle with Extreme Heat
The capital, Manila, is also among the world’s megacities feeling the heat, with 69 days of temperatures reaching CSI level 2 or higher. The study also noted that nearly 200,000 Filipinos were exposed to extreme heat conditions, contributing to rising health risks. These conditions are part of a larger pattern of increasing “risky heat” days. “Risky heat” refers to temperatures exceeding 90% of local historical averages, which can severely impact public health. The Philippines ranked eighth in Asia for the most risky heat days, with temperatures rising well above the norm, causing increasing health risks.
