Can achieving net-zero emissions address climate-induced disasters?

WE are still reeling from the onslaught of Typhoon "Odette" that wreaked havoc to the families, communities and natural environment located in the Visayas and Mindanao. Considered as "one of the world's strongest storms of 2021," Category 4 Typhoon Odette made a total of nine landfalls — the first in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte on Dec. 16, 2021.

Just a recollection — on the same day a decade ago, Severe Tropical Storm Washi, known as Tropical Storm "Sendong," made its first landfall in Mindanao island causing unprecedented deaths and damages, especially in Cagayan de Oro City. Based on the assessment report on the damages, nearly 40,000 homes were damaged and 700,000 people were affected by Sendong. Damage directly related to the storm amounted to P2.068 billion while socioeconomic losses amounted to P4.178 billion.