Turning climate vulnerability into leadership

While delegates from around the world gathered for COP30, a super typhoon just made landfall in the Philippines.

- By REGIS CHAPMAN

Super Typhoon Uwan displaced more than a million people and was the second storm ina week, following Typhoon Tino which brought severe flooding and tragic losses in the Visayas. These tragic events highlight the crucial role of COP30 as a turning point for global climate action.Extreme weather events are no longer distant threats but are persistent challenges to a country’s ability to protect lives and livelihoods. They disrupt economies, reverse development gains and force millions into making difficult choices to secure their immediate survival and long-term recovery. Even more crucial now are the continued strengthening and implementation of disaster risk management systems for communities living on the frontlines of climate shocks.

A shift from vulnerability to leadership

For the third consecutive year, the Philippines ranked as the most disaster-prone country in the world. Despite these challenges, the Philippines is positioned to show that climate action can be ambitious, nationally owned and locally driven = shifting from vulnerability to leadership.