Tides of Trouble

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Bilangbilangan in the Philippines is one of the places on earth where the future of sea level rise is clearly visible. Living on this island is living on the front lines of the climate crisis. Scientists predict it will be underwater before the end of this century. The inhabitants seem to be trapped like rats. Grace Obguia: “For us, sea level rise is not something of the future, it is the harsh reality.”

Philippines  – It’s low tide. Pearly white sand reaches to the sea that sparkles in the sun. The leaves of a palm tree rustle softly in the wind. In the shade a rooster dozes on his perch. Brightly colored, traditional canoes are pulled high on the beach, waiting for the fishermen who will set sail again in the evening. Small children play between the boats, happily running after each other. With a smile on her face, Grace Obguia (43) looks at the idyll as she lays out the fish she caught last night to dry in the sun.

She lives with her husband Ricky Añabieza (33) and their three children on Bilangbilangan, Philippines, one of the small islands in the strait between Cebu and Bohol. They have been living here from the proceeds of fishing for generations. “But nature is disrupted. And for a reason,” says Grace. “Global warming is not only raising sea levels, temperatures are also higher and we are noticing an increase in typhoons and extreme weather.”

Images: Nicole Franken – Text: Yvonne Dudock

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