How Climate Change Affects Agriculture
Author: Jonalie Springael || Published Date: August 14, 2025
Photo from Jam Sta. Rosa
The Philippines, situated along the Pacific Typhoon Belt, has always been susceptible to typhoons. However, the escalating effects of climate change are intensifying this vulnerability. The increasing frequency and ferocity of tropical cyclones, coupled with soaring temperatures and erratic weather patterns, are greatly impacting the country’s agricultural sector and the livelihoods of its farmers.
Farmers in communities like Lupang Ramos are on the front lines of this crisis. They face not only the risk of losing their entire harvest to powerful typhoons but also endure the physical toll of working under intense heat. With heat indexes frequently climbing to 40 degrees Celsius or higher, their health is put at significant risk. This extreme weather not only damages crops but also creates a more difficult and dangerous working environment.
Climate change is not the only environmental factor threatening Philippine agriculture. Farmers also contend with persistent challenges such as field pests, which thrive in changing conditions and can devastate crops. These combined pressures—from climate-related disasters to biological threats—create a complex and volatile environment for food production.
IMAGE SOURCES
Photo from Jam Sta. Rosa. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/04/29/2351352/filipino-farmers-struggle-drought-and-heatwave-hits
PNA photo courtesy of Danilo Daguio. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180282
Photo courtesy of OCD-Western Visayas.
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