HOW, WHY, WHEN?

The problem began intensifying in the 1970s–1980s, when rapid urbanization and industrialization accelerated across the Philippines. During this period, forests were extensively cleared for infrastructure, housing, and commercial development, significantly reducing the country’s carbon sequestration capacity. At the same time, the growing building sector increased energy demand for cooling, lighting, and appliances, much of which relied on fossil-fuel-based electricity, raising CO₂ emissions. This occurred because national development strategies prioritized economic growth and construction over environmental protection, reinforced by weak land-use planning and forest governance. As a result, expanding urban development both increased carbon emissions and reduced forest cover, creating a negative feedback loop that intensified environmental degradation.

CHART

DESCRIPTION AND INTERPRETATION OF THE DATA USED

DESCRIPTION & INTERPRETATION

The report analyzes secondary data on carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from the building energy sector and forest land area in the Philippines from 2000 to 2023.
A dual-axis line graph and Pearson correlation analysis were used to compare trends and measure the relationship between the two variables.
CO₂ emissions showed an overall increase, rising from 6.48 Mt CO₂e in 2000 to about 14.00 Mt CO₂e in 2023, especially accelerating after 2010.

DESCRIPTION & INTERPRETATION

The rise in emissions is linked to urbanization, population growth, infrastructure expansion, and increased energy use in buildings.
Forest land area declined significantly from 73,092 sq. km in 2000 to its lowest point in 2009 due to deforestation.
After 2011, forest cover gradually recovered, reaching around 70,703 sq. km by 2023, though it has not returned to its original level.

DESCRIPTION & INTERPRETATION

The computed correlation coefficient (r ≈ 0.47) indicates a moderate positive relationship between emissions and forest land changes.
Despite forest recovery efforts, rising carbon emissions continue to outweigh environmental gains, showing a complex and imbalanced environmental trend.

ENVIROMENTAL PROBLEMS

& ISSUES INDENTIFIED

Increasing CO₂ emissions from the building sector contribute to climate change and raise the risk of extreme weather events in the Philippines.
Reduced and insufficient forest land area limits the country’s ability to absorb carbon emissions.
Rise in carbon emissions and weakened natural carbon sinks.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the data from 2000 to 2023 demonstrate a moderate positive relationship between carbon dioxide emissions from building energy use and changes in forest land area in the Philippines. While some recovery in forest cover is evident in recent years, the persistent and rapid increase in carbon emissions remains a major environmental challenge. The findings emphasize that forest conservation alone cannot offset rising emissions without parallel efforts to reduce carbon output. A balanced, data-driven approach that combines emission reduction, forest protection, and sustainable development is crucial for achieving long-term environmental resilience in the Philippines.