A new book recommends approaches that will help the Philippines to mitigate, and adapt to, climate change, reports Business Week Mindanao.

Changing Philippine climate: impacts on agriculture and natural resources discusses the current state of global and Philippine climate, tracing how the increase in population and the start of the Industrial Revolution have had an impact on today’s climate.

One strategy to mitigate climate change, which is discussed in the book, is to shift from ‘black’ energy (oil and coal) to ‘green’ energy (biofuels that emit less carbon and sources that do not release carbon at all).

Craig Jamieson, a researcher on biofuels with the World Agroforestry Centre Philippines, says that Southeast Asia is a world center of palm biodiversity and can sustainably intensify agriculture through maximizing the use of sugar palms as sources of livestock feed and biofuel.

While the Philippines contributes less than one-percent of global greenhouse gases it is hardest hit by extreme climate events. Even if the country can curb its emissions, it is still likely to be affected by sea-level rises, stronger typhoons, more frequent droughts and landslides.

Adaptation strategies are needed to help people manage these impacts. Such strategies could include agroforestry which not only promotes adaptation but also mitigation.

The book highlights the need for greater research and new technologies to help identify and monitor current and future areas of vulnerability so as to improve forecasting and disaster preparedness.

The book is based on a workshop sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) that brought together foreign-based researchers of Filipino descent and local scientists. Its co-authors include Dr Rodel Lasco, coordinator of the World Agroforestry Centre Philippines.

Read the full story: How do you climate-proof the Philippines?