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Philippines Ranks 3rd in Asia for Extreme Heat
The Philippines ranks as the third most heat-impacted country in Asia, facing rising temperatures and increasing heat-related risks. Experts warn of worsening climate conditions affecting public health, agriculture, and daily life. Urgent action is needed to address extreme heat and its consequences.
Philippines Among Asia’s Most Heat-Impacted Countries, Report Finds
The Philippines has been ranked the third most heat-impacted country in Asia over the past three months, according to a recent report by Climate Central, a nonprofit organization specializing in climate science. The study revealed that climate change significantly influenced daily temperatures in the country, with the Philippines experiencing extreme heat on 74 days between December 2024 and February 2025.
Heat Levels and Climate Shift Index
The report used the Climate Shift Index (CSI) to determine how much human-induced climate change contributed to higher temperatures. The CSI assigns levels to indicate the extent of climate change's influence, with Level 2 or higher signifying a strong climate change impact. For 74 days, the Philippines experienced heat levels reaching or exceeding CSI Level 2, meaning climate change played a significant role in raising temperatures on those days.
Globally, extreme heat caused by climate change is becoming more frequent. In Asia, this pattern is especially concerning due to the region’s dense population and vulnerability to rising temperatures. The Philippines, an archipelago with over 7,000 islands, is highly exposed to the adverse effects of extreme heat, including stronger typhoons, droughts, and threats to public health.
Regional Comparison: How the Philippines Ranks
Among Asian countries, the Philippines ranked third for the number of days affected by climate change-driven heat. The top five most heat-impacted countries in Asia during this period were:
- Brunei Darussalam – 83 days
- Maldives – 81 days
- Philippines – 74 days
- Indonesia – 72 days
- Sri Lanka – 72 days
Other countries that experienced prolonged heat events included Timor-Leste (72 days), Malaysia (63 days), Singapore (56 days), Yemen (46 days), and Myanmar (45 days). In total, these ten countries saw approximately 554 million people exposed to extreme heat conditions.
Manila Among Heat-Impacted Global Cities
The report also highlighted that Manila was among 38 major global cities that faced unusual heat due to climate change. As a densely populated metropolitan area, Manila is particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures, which can worsen urban heat islands, increase electricity consumption for cooling, and strain public health resources.
The Global Context of Rising Temperatures
The Philippines’ extreme heat trends align with wider global patterns. In April and May 2024, record-breaking heatwaves affected multiple Asian countries, including the Philippines. Temperatures exceeded 40°C, impacting millions of people, particularly those in informal settlements and outdoor workers.
Scientists warn that without urgent climate action, heatwaves will become even more frequent and intense, threatening food security, water supply, and public health.
The Urgent Need for Climate Action
Given the severe risks posed by climate change, experts urge policymakers, urban planners, and communities to take immediate action:
- Urban Adaptation – Expanding green spaces, reflective building materials, and shaded infrastructure can help cities withstand extreme heat.
- Public Awareness – Citizens should be educated about heat-related illnesses and safety measures.
- Health System Preparedness – Hospitals must be equipped to handle more heat-related illnesses as temperatures continue to rise.
- Climate Policies – Governments must prioritize carbon reduction strategies to mitigate further temperature increases.
The findings underscore the reality that climate change is already affecting daily life in the Philippines. Without urgent action, extreme heat will continue to worsen, placing millions at risk.
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