The island province of Bohol in the Philippines is known for its natural beauty and
rich cultural heritage.
But beneath its idyllic surface, a looming disaster is threatening the lives and
livelihoods of thousands of residents.
Several islands off the coast of Bohol have been gradually sinking into the sea, due
to a combination of natural and human-induced factors, according to various studies.
The most affected are the islands of Batasan, Bilangbilangan, Ubay, and
Hingotanan, which are part of the Tubigon group of islands.
According to geology experts, the main cause of the island subsidence is the
magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck Bohol on October 15, 2013.
The quake caused the islands to drop by several centimeters, making them more
vulnerable to the effects of sea level rise and storm surges.
But the earthquake is not the only culprit. The islands are also suffering from the
consequences of unsustainable development, such as overpopulation, deforestation,
coral reef degradation, and coastal erosion. These factors have reduced the natural
resilience of the islands and increased their exposure to the impacts of climate
change.
The sinking islands of Bohol are a stark example of the slow-onset disasters that are
often overlooked in the global discourse on climate change.
Unlike sudden events like typhoons or floods, slow-onset disasters are gradual and
cumulative, making them harder to detect and respond to. They also pose serious
challenges for adaptation and mitigation, as they require long-term planning and
coordination among various stakeholders.
The residents of the sinking islands are facing multiple threats to their survival and
well-being.
Many of them have lost their homes, lands, and sources of income, as the rising
waters have inundated their farms, fishponds, and infrastructure. Some have been
forced to relocate to higher grounds or other areas, while others have stayed behind,
hoping for a miracle or a solution.
The sinking islands are also at risk of losing their cultural identity and heritage, as the
sea level rise threatens to erase their history and traditions.
The islands also host various festivals and celebrations, such as the Batasan Day,
the Bilangbilangan Fiesta, and the Hingotanan Bayanihan, that showcase their
vibrant and resilient spirit.
The plight of the sinking islands of Bohol is a wake-up call for the world to take action
on climate change.
The islanders are not only victims, but also agents of change, who are trying to cope
with and adapt to their changing environment.
They are calling for more support and assistance from the government, the private
sector, and the civil society, to help them address their urgent and long-term needs.
The sinking islands of Bohol are a reminder that climate change is not a distant or
abstract problem, but a present and concrete reality, that affects millions of people
around the world.
They are a testament to the human and environmental costs of inaction and
indifference, as well as the potential and possibilities of solidarity and cooperation.
They are a challenge and an opportunity, for us to act now, before it is too late.