Only about two out of ten Filipinos are satisfied with the government's efforts to address climate change, according to a survey by the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI).

Conducted from February to March, the study found that just 22% of the 4,608 adult respondents approved of the government’s response to climate challenges, while a majority or 53% expressed uncertainty, highlighting a lack of awareness of these efforts. The remaining respondents were dissatisfied.

"There is a need for visible action," said Dr. Vincenzo Bollettino, program director of the HHI Resilient Communities and co-lead for the study. "The government can take steps to collaborate more closely with communities, civil society groups, the private sector, and academia to support adaptative measures."

According to the study, most Filipinos or 85% of respondents were aware of climate change and the risks it posed to their well-being.

About 46% anticipated being significantly affected within the next five years. Economic conditions were the primary concern, with respondents fearing rapid inflation (43%), loss of income (43%), and increased poverty and hunger (34%). Fewer respondents were worried about health impacts, such as harm or illness (26%) and increased mortality (10%).

"Rising temperatures and extreme weather events can exacerbate health risks, and lead to a surge in heat-related illnesses, vector-borne diseases, and mental health challenges," Dr. Bollettino noted.

Climate adaptation measures

Despite high awareness, only a few Filipinos had taken steps to address the effects of climate change. The study showed that 66% of respondents had not implemented any adaptation measures.

Of those who had, the most common actions were environmental protection initiatives, such as tree planting (21%), reducing energy consumption (15%), and conserving water (15%).

Wealthier, more educated Filipinos were more likely to undertake adaptation measures, with 52% of those with higher education and 38% of those with greater wealth taking action, compared to 23% of those with limited education and 30% of lower-income respondents.

The survey also highlighted the link between climate change awareness and disaster preparedness. HHI developed a scoring system to measure preparedness, which showed that awareness about climate change increased preparedness scores by 60%.

According to HHI, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) recorded the lowest levels of awareness and adaptation among all regions. In BARMM, only 48% had heard of climate change, compared to 70% to 86% in other regions.

Personal adaptation measures were also the lowest in BARMM at 21%, compared to higher rates in typhoon-prone regions like Central Visayas (48%) and Eastern Visayas (44%).

The nationwide survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews using a standardized questionnaire.