NAST PHL and UKAMS Climate Change Workshop on Safeguarding Health from Disasters in Southeast Asia

The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), in partnership with the United Kingdom’s Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS), hosted the 'Workshop on Adapting to Climate Change: Safeguarding Health from Disasters in Southeast Asia' on 22-23 January 2025, at the Hilton Hotel Manila, Pasay City, Philippines. The workshop gathered leading scientists, policymakers and researchers from across Southeast Asia to address the region’s urgent climate-related health challenges. With Southeast Asia experiencing intensified climate-induced disasters such as typhoons, floods, and extreme heat, the workshop focused on developing strategies to enhance resilience and adaptation in vulnerable communities.

The two-day event aimed to review existing evidence on climate change adaptation and disaster management in Southeast Asia, identify innovative research and interventions to strengthen climate resilience, and outline priority research areas and collaborative opportunities for regional action. The workshop included keynote presentations from distinguished experts, such as Dr. Faye Abigail Tolentino Cruz from the Manila Observatory, Dr. Ronald Law from the Department of Health, both representing the Philippines, and Dr. Albert Salamanca from the Stockholm Environment Institute in Sweden. These speakers highlighted the direct and indirect health impacts of climate change and the urgent need for multi-sectoral cooperation. Breakout sessions allowed participants to explore policy frameworks, research gaps, data needs, and community engagement strategies. Notably, discussions emphasized the importance of integrating health considerations into national climate policies and avoiding maladaptation.

The second day showcased success stories from the region. One such case study focused on the Karen community in Thailand, where indigenous land practices are being challenged by climate policies. Another highlighted women-led disaster response initiatives in Indonesia, where women act as key communicators in risk management. The SeDAR Program in Malaysia was also presented as an example of a bottom-up disaster risk reduction approach. Additionally, experts demonstrated how AI technology is being applied in Palawan to track malaria trends.

The workshop concluded with a call for sustained collaboration. Participants recommended issuing a comprehensive report, drafting a position paper for ASEAN policymakers, and integrating climate change into the Department of Health’s national agenda. Moreover, the UK Embassy in the Philippines committed support for climate and health awareness campaigns.

“This workshop underscores the urgency of collaborative, science-driven solutions to climate change,” said Academician Jaime C. Montoya, NAST PHL President. “By working together, we can safeguard the health of our populations against future climate disasters.”

The full workshop report and recommendations will be disseminated to policymakers, researchers and the public to drive actionable climate health strategies in Southeast Asia.

This news article was originally published on the NAST PHL website here.