Philippines Pollution Crisis: Is It Getting Worse?

The Philippines is an archipelagic state in Southeast Asia, consisting of over 7,500 islands. It is the third most vulnerable country to climate change, with immense impacts including annual losses in GDP, changes in rainfall patterns, droughts, threats to biodiversity, sea level rise, and public health risks. The country faces significant environmental issues, including air pollution, water pollution, and marine pollution, which have severe health, social, and economic consequences. Air pollution, largely from vehicle emissions and the burning of fossil fuels, has led to respiratory illnesses and even deaths. Water pollution, caused by inadequate sewage systems and untreated wastewater, contaminates rivers and other water sources, while marine pollution, with the Philippines being the third-largest contributor to marine plastics, endangers biodiversity and the fishing industry. These issues are exacerbated by factors such as rapid urbanization, population growth, and deforestation. The Philippine government has implemented various measures, including the Clean Air Act and the National Plan of Action on Marine Litter, to address these pressing environmental challenges.

Air pollution from vehicles and industry

Air pollution in the Philippines has been a growing concern for decades. The country's rapid industrialisation and urbanisation have contributed to the deterioration of air quality, particularly in cities like Manila, which has become a hotspot for air pollution. The capital city, with a population of over 109 million people, faces significant air pollution challenges due to the high density of vehicles and industrial activities.

The Philippines has approximately 2 million cars on the road, and it is estimated that these vehicles contribute to over 80% of the country's air pollution. The majority of these vehicles are older models that have not been fitted with modern emission-reduction technology. The country's most popular form of public transportation, the jeepney, is a major contributor to air pollution. These vehicles typically run on diesel fuel and emit dark-coloured fumes and black soot that contain harmful pollutants. Jeepneys alone account for 15% of transportation emissions and 48% of airborne particulate matter in Manila.

Industrial activities, including factories and power plants, are another significant source of air pollution in the Philippines. The country's industrial plants and factories emit a range of pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2). The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, is a primary contributor to air pollution in the Philippines. Traditional agricultural practices, such as slash-and-burn, also impact air quality by releasing carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter into the atmosphere.

The Philippines has implemented various policies and programmes to address air pollution, such as the Clean Air Act of 1999, which established national emission standards and mandated regular air quality monitoring. However, groups like Greenpeace Philippines have pointed out that the current legislation is outdated and needs to be updated to meet the reality of the country's air pollution crisis. More recent proposals include phasing out leaded gasoline, reducing industrial emissions through filtration, encouraging recycling, and banning older vehicles.

The government and environmental advocates are promoting the adoption of electric vehicles and the improvement of public transportation infrastructure to reduce emissions. Community initiatives that encourage tree planting, waste management, and the use of renewable energy are also crucial in mitigating air pollution. Addressing air pollution in the Philippines requires a combination of policy measures, technological innovations, and community engagement to ensure a sustainable future for the country.

Water pollution from plastic waste

The Philippines has been dubbed the world's biggest ocean plastic polluter, with the largest share of global plastic waste discarded in the ocean in 2019. The country generated over 2 million tons of plastic waste that year, with an estimated 20% ending up in the sea. This plastic waste enters the sea from smaller water streams, with 80% of plastic waste coming from rivers. The Philippines is home to seven of the top ten plastic-polluted rivers in the world.

The mismanagement of plastic waste is closely correlated with the growth of municipal solid waste (MSW) in the Philippines. Nationwide, about 40% to 85% of solid waste is collected, while in Metro Manila, the collection rate is 85%. The uncollected waste often ends up in rivers, esteros, and other water bodies, polluting major water bodies and clogging drainage systems, leading to flooding during heavy rains. Open dumping remains the general practice of waste disposal in the country, as controlled dumpsites and sanitary landfills are limited.

The Philippines' plastics industry is vital to the national economy, contributing US$2.3 billion in 2018. However, the country's high dependence on single-use plastics has exacerbated marine plastic pollution. The Philippines recycled only 28% of key plastic resins in 2019, resulting in a significant loss of material value. There is a large recycling capacity gap, with structural challenges such as high logistics and electricity costs, competition from the informal recycling industry, and limited incentives for local governments to invest in waste management solutions.

To address marine pollution, the Philippine government has implemented a National Plan of Action on Marine Litter, aiming to achieve zero waste in Philippine waters by 2040. The plan includes public-private partnerships and initiatives to improve public awareness about marine pollution and proper waste management practices. The government has also signed an agreement with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines to address marine pollution around ports.

Marine pollution and biodiversity loss

The Philippines is a global centre for marine biodiversity, with its central region, from Luzon to Mindanao, boasting more marine species per unit area than anywhere else on Earth. The country is home to a unique array of seagrass, invertebrates, seaweeds, and marine mammals. However, the Philippines is struggling to conserve its marine life in the face of various threats, including marine pollution, overfishing, destructive fishing practices, and climate change.

Marine pollution, particularly plastic pollution, is a significant issue in the Philippines. The country is the world's third-largest contributor to marine plastics, generating over 2 million tons of plastic waste every year, with an estimated 20% ending up in the sea. This plastic pollution has caused disease outbreaks on coral reefs and irreversible harm to many marine species. The Philippine Sea has also recorded an overall decline of 29% in fish stocks. The government has implemented various measures to address marine pollution, including the National Plan of Action on Marine Litter, which aims to achieve zero waste in Philippine waters by 2040 through public-private partnerships and improved public awareness.

Overfishing and destructive fishing practices are also major concerns. The European Union issued a warning to the Philippines in 2014, threatening to ban the country from exporting unless fishing activities were strictly regulated. While the government introduced a new fisheries code, enforcement remains a challenge, especially with the presence of large-scale illegal fishing by foreign vessels in the country's exclusive economic zone.

Climate change further exacerbates the threats to marine biodiversity in the Philippines. Critical ecosystems such as seagrass beds, coral reefs, estuarine zones, and mangrove forests, which are vital for maintaining biodiversity, are among the most affected by climate change and human activity. Warmer ocean temperatures contribute to coral bleaching, while sea-level rise threatens mangrove forests. Additionally, ocean acidification, caused by increased carbon dioxide, can eat away at corals and shellfish, further degrading marine ecosystems.

The Philippines has designated approximately 1,800 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to safeguard its marine resources. However, effective management of these areas remains a challenge, with only 10-15% of MPAs being properly managed, according to a 2008 study. Proper enforcement of legislation and the active involvement of local communities are crucial for the successful conservation of these critical marine ecosystems.

Deforestation and species endangerment

Deforestation is a significant environmental issue in the Philippines. The country's forest cover has decreased drastically over the last century, dropping from 70% in the early 20th century to 23% in 2010, according to the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA). The latest estimate, as of 2022, puts the country's forest cover at 24.07%, which is still significantly lower than the 17.8 million hectares recorded in 1934.

The primary causes of deforestation in the Philippines include rapid population growth, unregulated and illegal logging, mining, and destructive typhoons. Under Ferdinand Marcos' regime, logging became a central part of the country's economy, with large tracts of land being handed out to military officials, cronies, and relatives. This led to increased log exportation to Japan, with little focus on reforestation. Short-sighted policies, such as granting logging concessions of less than ten years, have also contributed to the problem, as loggers have no incentive to replant, leading to a decline in harvestable lumber.

The effects of deforestation in the Philippines are far-reaching. It disrupts habitats and leads to species displacement and endangerment, threatening the country's rich biodiversity. The Philippines is one of the 18 mega-diverse countries in the world, ranked third in marine biodiversity, and home to over 25,000 endemic species. Deforestation also affects food production, causes floods and soil erosion, and results in property damage.

To combat deforestation, the Philippine government has implemented various programmes and policies, including reforestation initiatives such as the National Greening Program, which aims to plant 1.5 billion trees by 2028. The Forest Management Bureau's Community-Based Forest Management Programme involves local communities in forest management and conservation efforts, helping to reduce deforestation rates in some areas. Additionally, the government has passed laws like the National Land Use Act and the Sustainable Forest Management Act to address deforestation and other environmental issues.

While these efforts are commendable, challenges remain. Illegal logging and the conversion of forests into agricultural land continue to be significant problems. The government needs to enforce stricter laws and promote sustainable land-use practices to protect the country's forests and the biodiversity they support.

Climate change and water scarcity

The Philippines is the third most vulnerable country to climate change, according to the 2017 World Risk Report. The impacts of climate change on the Philippines are significant, including annual losses in GDP, changes in rainfall patterns, droughts, threats to biodiversity and food security, sea-level rise, and public health risks.

One of the most pressing environmental issues in the Philippines is marine pollution, particularly plastic pollution. The country generates over 2 million tons of plastic waste annually, with an estimated 20% ending up in the sea, contributing to the country's ranking as the third-largest contributor to marine plastics. The Philippine government has implemented the National Plan of Action on Marine Litter, aiming for zero waste in Philippine waters by 2040 through public-private partnerships and improved public awareness.

Air pollution is also a significant concern in the Philippines, with the country ranking 74th out of 138 countries in the 2024 Air Quality Index (AQI). The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, is a major contributor to air pollution, along with vehicle emissions, particularly from jeepneys, the country's popular public transport. The Philippine government introduced the Clean Air Act of 1999, but groups like Greenpeace Philippines have called for updates to meet the current reality of air pollution in the country.

Climate change, rapid urbanization, and population growth are key drivers of water scarcity worldwide, and the Philippines is no exception. A study by the World Resources Institute predicts that the Philippines will experience a 'high' degree of water shortage by 2040, with the agriculture sector being the most affected.

To address these challenges, the Philippines has developed and implemented various policies and programmes, including the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change (NFSCC). While the country has shown commitment to tackling pollution and climate change, effective implementation and enforcement of these measures remain crucial to mitigate the impacts on water scarcity and overall environmental sustainability.

Frequently asked questions