Greenpeace Philippines statement on record breaking heat in 2023, almost hitting 1.5°C

Greenpeace Philippines campaigner Jefferson Chua said:

“For the first time on record, every day in 2023 has exceeded 1°C above the 1850-1900 pre-industrial level. Almost half of the days last year were more than 1.5°C, with two days in November, for the first time, more than 2°C warmer.[1] Experts have long warned about these projections, but what makes this even more concerning is the continued lack of accountability of those most responsible for climate change—particularly oil, gas, and coal companies.

“These findings align with projections that the Philippines[2] will experience extreme heat for longer periods of time. This year will be no different as PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) urged the country to prepare for record heat this year, especially as El Niño picks up. We will have fewer tropical cyclones coming into the Philippine Area of Responsibility, while we can expect extreme heat nationwide during the summer months of March and April, and see a 21-60% reduction in rainfall within 3-4 consecutive months in Metro Manila.[3] We can likewise expect impacts in health, agriculture, and energy as our systems get stretched from these pressures.

“Without real and meaningful action on fossil fuel phaseout, global temperature rise is set to exceed 1.5°C.[4] Greenpeace is calling on the Philippine government to step up and demand an end to fossil fuel expansion, as well as payment for losses and damages, from fossil fuel companies.

“The Philippine government must pursue any and all means to make the biggest oil and gas companies pay, via litigation or policies such as the Climate Accountability (CLIMA) bill, as we brace for another year supercharged by climate impacts, which, sadly, will be the norm unless urgent action is taken.”

NOTES:

[1] Copernicus: 2023 is the hottest year on record, with global temperatures close to the 1.5°C limit | Copernicus

[2] Philippine_Climate_Extremes_Report_2020_Full_Report.pdf (dost.gov.ph)

[3] Brace for record hot year – Pagasa | The Manila Times

[3] COP28 fossil fuel pledges will not limit global warming to 1.5C, says IEA (ft.com)