November 14, 2025
MANILA – The Philippines, long known for its exposure to natural calamities, continues to bear the brunt of the world’s worsening climate crisis.
With its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire and its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the country regularly experiences devastating typhoons and earthquakes.
In recent weeks alone, Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan struck one after another, leaving widespread destruction in their wake.
READ: ‘Typhoon Uwan death toll at 25; 2M displaced in 15 regions‘
A new report by Germanwatch places the Philippines as the seventh most affected country by extreme weather events in 2024, underscoring the nation’s ongoing struggle with climate-related disasters.
The latest Climate Risk Index – unveiled during the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil – highlights how storms, floods and heat waves continue to exact a heavy toll on the archipelago.
According to the report, the Philippines suffered 371 extreme weather events between 1995 and 2024, resulting in more than 27,500 deaths and over $35 billion in economic losses.
Globally, the report documented over 9,700 extreme weather events, causing around 832,000 fatalities and $4.5 trillion in damages over the same period.
“Countries such as Haiti, the Philippines, and India – all of which are among the 10 most affected countries – face particular challenges,” said Vera Künzel, co-author of the study. She explained that these nations are struck by floods, heat waves, or storms so frequently that “entire regions can hardly recover from the impacts until the next event hits.”
Künzel emphasized that discussions on loss and damage funding at COP30 must focus on these vulnerable nations, noting that without sustained international support and stronger climate adaptation measures, they could face “insurmountable challenges” in the years ahead.
The release of this report comes at a critical time, as the Philippines once again faces the harsh reminder of its climate vulnerability through back-to-back typhoons.