Sailing Through Rising Seas: How Climate Change Impacts the Philippines’ Maritime Industry
- museomaritimo
- 15 hours ago
- 5 min read
July 29, 2026 – Metro Manila, Philippines
Article by Danielle Lina
The Introductory Map
As far back as pre-colonial times, Filipinos, one of the world’s earliest maritime voyagers, have been sailing the seas. Accustomed to the ever-present blue that surrounded the hills and mountains of their archipelagic home, our ancestors took to the sea as closely as fish take to water. In recent history, however, climate change has taken that metaphor to the extreme. With climate change resulting in an ongoing domino effect of environmental harm such as land erosion, severe weather patterns, and an excess growth of harmful algae among the waters of our coastal communities – how does our modern-day seafarer navigate the impacts of climate change? Furthermore, what efforts are being made to secure the Philippines’ maritime industry with a sustainable and eco-friendly future?
Rising Tides and Fallen Homes
First and foremost, let us take a look at the statistics of the shipping industry’s performance in relation to recent severe weather patterns and rising sea levels. When it comes to the industry's assets, employment, and equipment, numerous aspects of the Philippines' shipping industry are shown to be impacted by the consequences of climate change. Using a sample size of 100, a study published in 2025 was conducted at the School of Maritime Education, Biliran Province State University. The study showed that a range of 82.1% negatively impacted employment, a range of 65.7% relating to assets, a range of 63.4% to equipment, and at the bottom, we have shipping accidents, with a range up to 48.4% affected by rising sea levels and severe typhoons within the area.
As you can see, the correlation between the two is apparent; therefore, it implies that as the severity of the typhoons accelerates, these numbers are vulnerable to increase as well. Additionally, due to the global emission of greenhouse gases, we can expect that these environmental problems will not simply vanish at the shorelines, but will be greeting us at our doorstep. Because as the water rises, our land, however, continues to sink.
According to Dr. Fernando Siringan during the 4th National Forum on Philippine Maritime Heritage, elevation data showed that from 1978 to 2000, the entirety of Metro Manila was sinking, with Caloocan sinking the most at 6.1 cm per year. As a result, more areas are vulnerable to flooding and land erosion. In Cagayan de Oro, a coastal home was documented to be no longer inhabitable due to its proximity to the sea; likewise, Carmela G. Taguiam and Cecille B. Quiambao found that in their 2016 research, the Philippines’ average sea level rose by 60cm since 1901 compared to the global average of 19cm, and is predicted to reach 1 meter by the year 2100.
The rising sea levels are an outcome of both natural ocean patterns and the ice caps melting, which has been further exacerbated by the harmful emissions of greenhouse gases. As a whole, the global shipping industry contributes over 3% to annual carbon dioxide emissions, stated by the Climate Change Commission. Human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels are the primary driving force of global warming; as a result, more of the Philippines’ coastal waters are seeing an expansion of harmful algae growth due to their increasing temperatures. In his research, Dr. Fernando Siringan reveals that, when consumed, some toxins the algae produce may cause mild to severe consequences, ranging from diarrhea and amnesia to even death.
The Path Forward
As daunting as the problem at hand may seem, our situation is not hopeless – efforts are being made to protect the environment, which will help ensure a sustainable future for this industry. In 2015, the Paris Agreement was established (with the Philippines being one of its signatories) as a means to reduce the starting predictions of a 3.5℃ global average, down to a temperature of 1.5℃ above the pre-industrial era, while keeping it maintained by the year 2100. The UNEP states that if the temperature goes beyond the 2℃ threshold, this will intensify the adverse consequences brought upon by climate change; thereby, impacting the livelihoods and well-being of not only those within the maritime industry, but the Philippines as a whole.
Over 10 years since the Paris Agreement was formed, during a time when Filipino seafarers were already faced with the ramifications of climate change, we are currently looking at a 2.8℃ temperature prediction according to UNEP’s recent emission gap report. This is a notable improvement, but it still is a long way from where we need to be in order to secure our chances of a livable future; hence, the Filipino environmentalists are calling for accountability from major polluters through the Climate Accountability (CLIMA) Act, or House Bill 4420. This bill seeks to change how National corporations approach their business practices by ensuring they financially compensate communities victimized by climate change-induced disasters. Once passed, this will act as a critical backbone to our country’s responsible development towards a sustainable economy, whilst aligning the Philippines towards the goals of the international treaty.
As an individual, you might be wondering: “Well, what can I do? I’m just one person.” – And to that I say, “You can do a lot to help!”. Aside from practicing proper disposal of trash and the reduction of plastic pollution, you can contribute your support by volunteering with local environment-driven organizations like Greenpeace Philippines or contribute your voice towards the growing conversation regarding the Philippines’ environmental policies and legislation.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the repercussions of climate change have a significant negative impact on various aspects of the Philippines' maritime industry, and will further worsen its likelihood of success if not met with the right urgency and attention. From the shipping industry seeing a reduction among employment and operations, with the added likelihood of increased accidents due to extreme typhoons at seas to coastal communities losing their homes by cause of land erosions and rising sea levels, it is clear, that at our current rate of global greenhouse gas emission—we as Filipinos—will need to contribute our support in advocating for legally-based and ethical sustainability that strictly holds major polluters accountable; thus, protecting our environment and preventing further harm to our seas, land, and ecosystem, which all contributes to the Philippines' maritime industry in its entirety.
Sources:
1. Emmanuel Lobitaña (2025)- The Unknown Philippines: Cradle of Early Asian Seafaring
2. Norberto J. Camarines Jr. and Henreyna Jane C. Redublado (2025) Climate Change: An Exploratory Analysis in Philippines Maritime Industry Operations
3. MD. GOLAM MAHABUB SARWAR (2006) – IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON MARITIME INDUSTRIES
4. Dr Fernando Siringan (2018) - Trends of Climate Change & Some Possible Impacts to the Maritime Industry in the Philippines
5. Carmela G. Taguiam and Cecille B. Quiambao (2016) - RURAL COASTAL HOUSEHOLDS’ COGNITION OF SEA LEVEL RISE: THE CASEOF ZAMBALES, PHILIPPINES
6. Climate Change Commission (2023) - MARINA collaborate for a greener and sustainable maritime
7. Eric Koons (2024) - Climate Change Laws And Policies In The Philippines
8. UNEP (2025) - New climate pledges only slightly lower dangerous global warming projections
9. Greenpeace Philippines (2025) - Landmark climate accountability law to make corporate polluters pay pushed in Congress
10. Greenpeace Philippines – Volunteer with us