As Christmas draws near, Filipinos are preparing once again for a season of joy and celebration. However, in recent years, the holiday season has been marked by another phenomenon — Christmas typhoons. While we enjoy the festive spirit, we must confront the reality that climate change is reshaping this cherished season, bringing stronger storms and unpredictable weather.

According to the Philippine Climate Change Assessment Working Group I report, there has been a significant rise in the occurrence of “Christmas typhoons,” so-called for their tendency to occur from December to February. One study examined in the report found a 210 percent increase in Christmas typhoons nationwide since 2012.

An example is typhoon “Odette” (Rai), which struck the Philippines on 16 December 2021. The typhoon devastated communities just days before Christmas, affecting nearly 4 million people in more than 400 cities and municipalities, according to the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. With over half a million people displaced during the holidays of that year, the aftermath of typhoon “Rai” highlighted the vulnerability of the Philippines to extreme weather events, particularly during one of the country’s most significant seasons.

The Christmas season, traditionally a time of celebration and unity, now also serves as a reminder of the growing climate crisis. The effects of these storms reach far beyond the immediate destruction they cause, disrupting livelihoods, damaging agriculture and stretching the country’s disaster response systems.

The Philippines, under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has committed to address these challenges through plans and policies that include the National Adaptation Plan and the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan. These frameworks aim to enhance the country’s resilience to climate impacts and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

However, as typhoon “Odette” and other typhoons demonstrated, the window for action is narrowing. Local communities must be empowered with risk-informed planning, stronger disaster preparedness measures and sustainable development practices to safeguard their futures.

As we celebrate Christmas, let us also reflect on how we can make our festivities more sustainable. We at the Climate Change Commission encourage everyone to adopt eco-friendly practices during the holidays. By using energy-efficient LED lights, supporting local products, and minimizing waste, we can reduce our environmental impact. Every small action contributes to the broader goal of mitigating climate change and protecting our planet for future generations.

As climate change continues to affect our daily lives, each of us has a role to play to address its challenges. We can follow the 4Ps to contribute to climate action:

Pag-unawa (awareness and understanding) involves increasing our awareness about climate change and its impacts. Educating ourselves and others about the science behind climate change is crucial, as understanding the problem is the first step toward meaningful action.

Pagpaplano (planning) encourages us to think ahead and prepare for possible climate impacts, especially during the typhoon season. Identifying risks in our communities and developing plans to reduce them help ensure that we are ready to respond to climate-related challenges.

Paghahanda (preparedness) emphasizes the importance of being prepared, particularly in the face of disasters. This means having emergency supplies ready, preparing our homes, and making sure our families know what to do when disaster strikes. Preparedness can save lives and reduce damage during extreme weather events.

Lastly, Pagsunod (compliance) urges us to follow ecosystems regulations and support policies that promote sustainability. This includes practicing proper waste management, reducing carbon emissions, and adhering to government advisories during disasters. Compliance ensures that we are collectively working toward a more sustainable and resilient future.

This holiday season is a chance to not only celebrate but also to take stock of the climate challenges we face and commit to meaningful change. While Christmas typhoons may remind us of our vulnerability, they also offer an opportunity to strengthen our resolve in building a more resilient, sustainable future.

We urge every Filipino to embrace sustainable practices, not only during the holidays but in everyday life. Let this Christmas be a season of both joy and action, as we work together to protect our communities and the planet we call home.

As we gather with our loved ones, let us also unite in our commitment to climate action, making this holiday season warm in spirit and harmonious with the Earth.

From the Climate Change Commission, we wish everyone a safe, sustainable, and climate-conscious Christmas. Let’s make this season a celebration of our shared commitment to build a better, more resilient future for all.