Climate Change and Human Health
dioxide contributes the largest at 77%, followed by methane
(14%) and then nitrous oxide (8%).
Greenhouse Gas Emission: Philippine Setting
In the Philippines, the sector with the highest percent
change of greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 to 2000 is
the energy sector accounting for 91%, followed by
industrial processes at 88%. The transportation sector alone
(under energy sector) accounted for the highest percentage
change of greenhouse gas emission from 1990 to 2000 at
279% (Table 1).
The projected trending of carbon dioxide emission
intensity in the Philippines is shown in Figure 3. The CO2
emissions per GDP and per capita show an increasing trend
of increase over the years. However, it can be observed that
carbon dioxide emissions per gross domestic product (GDP)
show a gradual downward slope. The other two important
greenhouse gases, methane and nitrous oxides, show
increasing pattern of emission intensity.
Figure 1. Combined Risk to Climate Disaster. Source: Manila
Observatory and DENR (http://www.observatory.ph/vm/
findings.html).
Greenhouse Gas Accumulation
Methods
The study is a review of climate change and its effect on
human health. Data were gathered from national and
international sources. Extensive and exhaustive reviews on
literature, articles, and other data were done.
Figure 2 shows a simplified procedure in assessing the
potential health impacts of climate change. Climate change is
mainly caused by greenhouse gas accumulation affecting the
environmental systems vis-a-vis the human health loop.
Socio-Economic and Cultural Modifiers
Presentation of Data Gathered
of the Risks to Human Health
Sources of Greenhouse Gases (by sector)
As for sources of greenhouse gases, the energy and
transportation sector accounts for the highest percentage of
worldwide emission of greenhouse gases at about 60%. This
is followed by land use change at 18.2%, and agriculture at
13.5%. Of the all the greenhouse gases emitted, carbon
Climate Change
Changes in the Environmental Systems
that Determine Human Health
Impacts upon Human Health
Figure 2. Schematic Diagram of Assessment of Health
Impacts of Climate Change. Adapted from: WHO, 2000. 14
Table 1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Sector in the Philippines
Sector
Energy
Electricity & Heat
Manufacturing & Construction
Transportation
Other fuel combustion
Fugitive emissions
Industrial processes
Land use Change and Forestry
Total
1990
Mt CO2
36
14.2
8.3
6.2
7.4
0
3.2
79.4
118.6
2000
%
30.4
11.9
7
5.2
6.2
0
2.7
66.9
Mt CO2
68.9
26.8
9.2
23.5
9.4
0
6
94.9
169.8
2004
%
40.6
15.8
5.4
13.9
5.5
0
3.5
55.9
Mt CO2
72.6
28.9
11.2
25.4
6.8
0.3
6.5
NA
79.1
Change 1990-2000
%
91.8
36.5
14.1
32.1
8.6
0.4
8.2
NA
91%
89%
11%
279%
27%
0%
88%
20%
43%
Source: Climate Analysis Indicators Tool (CAIT), 2010. 15
92 ACTA MEDICA PHILIPPINA
VOL. 50 NO. 2 2016