MANILA – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is enhancing its regional approach to address the growing impacts of climate change, with a focus on improving support for communities affected by disasters.
According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna emphasized the importance of tighter cooperation among ASEAN nations during ASEAN Climate Week 2026.
With the Philippines chairing ASEAN this year, advancing initiatives on loss and damage has become a top priority to ensure the region is better equipped to handle escalating climate risks.
Cuna pointed out that while mitigation and adaptation remain essential, countries must also address impacts that cannot be avoided—such as destroyed infrastructure, income losses, and service disruptions following extreme weather events.
Participants at the Manila gathering acknowledged that traditional climate strategies are no longer enough, calling for more comprehensive measures to deal with irreversible damage.
To address this, ASEAN is working to boost coordination among member states, encourage resource and knowledge sharing, improve climate data systems, and facilitate easier access to global climate funds.
The Philippines is contributing through research and dialogue under the ASEAN Working Group on Climate Change, including studies aimed at evaluating each country’s readiness and identifying specific needs.
Efforts under this initiative are expected to improve emergency response, speed up recovery assistance, widen access to reconstruction financing, and strengthen support for sectors most vulnerable to climate change, particularly agriculture and fisheries.
ia/xf
