THE United Nations (UN) on Thursday said it is closely monitoring the “very strong” El Niño’s impact on the country’s food security and other sectors, which is expected to continue affecting multiple regions in 2027.
Tristan Burnett, UN Philippines’ technical group on climate action chairman, made the remark during a press briefing on El Niño and early action on climate risks.
Burnett said El Niño is intensifying drought, extreme heat, and water scarcity, while other hazards such as typhoons and flooding continue to affect communities across the country.
Together, these hazards create cascading impacts that disrupt agriculture, fisheries, water systems, health services, local economies, and essential public services.
She said these hazards add pressure on vulnerable populations, and increasingly drives displacement, migration, and other forms of human mobility across the Philippines.
Burnett cited El Niño’s impacts on food security, health, children, and mobility.
“Our message today is clear — climate shocks do not have to become humanitarian crises. We have the science, the forecasts, the knowledge, and the tools to act early,” she said.
“Many of these impacts are foreseeable and we have the data and the partnerships needed to act before these climate shocks become disasters,” she added.
Burnett said that the UN is working with the Philippine government “to strengthen anticipatory action, preparedness, adaptation and resilience so that communities can better withstand shocks before they escalate.”
“By investing in anticipatory action, strengthening food systems and livelihoods, protecting essential services, reducing displacement risks, and empowering local institutions, we can help communities withstand climate shocks while protecting lives, livelihoods, and hard-won development gains,” she said.
The UN called for accelerated and coordinated action to strengthen food security, climate-resilient livelihoods, water security, health, nutrition, WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) services, and social protection systems.
“We also call for climate mobility to be fully integrated into climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and development priorities,” Burnett said.
She said greater investment is needed in anticipatory action, displacement prevention, local resilience-building, climate adaptation, and innovative financing mechanisms “so that communities can remain safely where they choose while ensuring protection and longer-term solutions for those who are forced to move.”
“The United Nations remains firmly committed to supporting the Government of the Philippines and all partners in building a more resilient future where people, communities, and institutions can anticipate, withstand, recover from, and adapt to climate and disaster risks — so that development gains are protected and no one is left behind,” she said.
