The Philippines, a nation of over 7,000 islands, is grappling with the consequences of rising sea levels. Recent studies found that some coastal areas in the country have experienced sea level rise rates faster than the global average. 

The increase is attributed to a combination of natural ocean patterns and human-induced climate change. 

As seas encroach on their shores, coastal communities are facing increasing threats of flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion. 

What you need to know

• The Philippines, an archipelagic country, is experiencing sea level rise. Sea levels in the Philippine Sea rose at a rate of 5 to 7 millimeters per year, according to a study that analyzed satellite data from 1993 to 2015. This was faster than the global average of 2.8 to 3.6 millimeters. 
• Coastal areas in the east of Samar and Leyte, southwestern Central and Western Visayas, eastern Mindanao, and southern Zamboanga experienced sea level rise at a rate of 4.5 to 5 millimeters per year. 
• Natural ocean patterns, like El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), and human activities have contributed to the significant increase in sea level. 
• A study in 2016 found that sea levels in Metro Manila have risen rapidly, but noted this could be influenced by land subsidence, or when the ground sinks over time, due to excessive groundwater extraction. 

FAQs

What is the rate of sea level rise in the Philippines?

From 1993 to 2015, sea levels in the Philippine Sea rose at a rate of 5 to 7 millimeters per year. Meanwhile, Eastern Samar and Leyte, southwestern Central and Western Visayas, eastern Mindanao, and southern Zamboanga experienced increases of 4.5 to 5 mm per year.

The rate of sea level rise in the Philippine Sea was about twice the global average of 2.8 to 3.6 mm per year taken from 1993 to 2010.

What are the main factors contributing to sea level rise in the Philippines?

The increase is primarily driven by human activities and El Niño Southern Oscillation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation—large-scale climate patterns that can influence ocean temperatures and currents.

How does sea level rise affect the Philippines compared to other countries? 

The Philippines is particularly susceptible to sea level rise due to its extensive coastline. 

Many coastal communities in the country are already experiencing the effects of rising sea levels, including flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion. 

Use this line

• As an archipelago, the Philippines is facing rising sea levels. A study found that sea levels in the Philippine Sea rose from 1993 to 2015 at a rate of 5 to 7 millimeters per year, surpassing the global average of 2.8 to 3.6 millimeters.
• Sea levels in Metro Manila have risen rapidly, although land subsidence caused by excessive groundwater extraction might be contributing to this.

Angles you can explore

Changing coastline

• Map areas at risk of being underwater soon, or create a data visualization showing sea level changes in coastal communities over the years, along with future projections
• Explore historic sites and iconic buildings that vulnerable to sea level rise to showcase the personal and cultural loss that could occur without action

Impacts on fishing, businesses, and marginalized communities

• Examine the impacts of rising sea levels on low-income and indigenous communities who live in coastal areas
• Rising sea levels can destroy breeding grounds of fish and other marine life and disrupt the coastal infrastructure of fishing communities. These effects hit small-scale and subsistence fishers particularly hard. 
• Sea level rise also alters the shape of islands and coastline. Explore how this can impact fisheries claims and territorial boundaries.
• Discuss the economic implications of erosion, flooding, and infrastructure damage to coastal tourism destinations such as beach resorts and hotels as well as other businesses

Displacement 

• Discuss the social, economic, and environmental impacts of forced relocation of coastal communities due to rising sea levels. Most people move inland or to higher ground.

Real estate

• Examine how rising sea levels are affecting property values in coastal areas and how developers are protecting their investments
• Investigate the impact of rising insurance premiums of property owners in areas at risk of being inundated

Health consequences

• Discuss the increased risk of waterborne diseases, such as cholera, typhoid and dysentery, due to flooding and contamination of water sources
• Explore the psychological impact of forced displacement and loss of homes and communities due to sea level rise

Adaptation

• Investigate the effectiveness of coastal defense measures, such as seawalls, break-waters, and nature-based solutions like mangrove forests
• Highlight successful community-based adaptation initiatives, such as early warning systems and community-led flood mitigation projects

For detailed insights, explore the 2024 Philippine Climate Change Assessment, Working Group I: The Physical Science Basis, available here.