ABSTRACT

The impacts of climate change are beginning to be felt around the world. Case studies that identify the immediate causes of disasters, as well as their root drivers, provide the empirical basis for strategies to increase resilience to climate impacts. Here we present a case study of the city of Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao in the Philippines and its experience with Tropical Storm Sendong (international name Washi) in 2011. We use local key informant interviews from 2014 and secondary sources to identify both the local, immediate causes as well as the more widespread root drivers of the disaster. We focus on two root drivers in particular: informal settlements in hazardous areas and political dynamics based on patronage, which can present risks both pre- and post-disaster. Addressing these root drivers will be important for increasing climate resilience in the Philippines and other countries. Read the case study in full.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS 

Benjamin Franta is a PhD student in History of Science at Stanford University. The research for this report was primarily conducted while the author was a Research Fellow at the Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at the Harvard Kennedy School.

Dr Hilly Ann Roa-Quiaoit is the former vice-president for research and social outreach of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan in Cagayan de Oro City, Northern Mindanao, Philippines.

Engr Dexter Lo is the founding director of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan Engineering Resource Center in Cagayan de Oro City, Northern Mindanao, Philippines.

Dr Gemma Narisma is the associate director and program manager of the Regional Climate Systems Program at the Manila Observatory and faculty member of the Physics Department of Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, Philippines.