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Satellite view of a long swirl of clouds over the Philippines
A tropical depression over the Philippine Sea. Credit: NASA

Impacts of Solar Radiation Modification on Extreme Climate Indices in the Philippines

Modelling
Philippines | Sanchez
Climate patterns, Extreme weather, Precipitation

Abstract

The rising global temperature and changing climate patterns have increased the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events, droughts, and heavy precipitation, significantly affecting agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems. Solar radiation management (SRM) has been proposed as a geoengineering strategy to mitigate these effects by reducing incoming solar radiation. This study evaluated future trends and variability in rainfall and temperature extremes in the Philippines under GeoMIP (G6Solar and G6Sulfur) and ScenarioMIP (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5) projections. Using five General Circulation Models (GCMs) and a suite of 10 climate indices recommended by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI), changes in extreme precipitation and temperature across different climate zones in the Philippines were assessed. Climate projections for the future (2041–2070) scenario were analyzed using bias correction, downscaling, and spatial interpolation techniques. Trend analysis was evaluated using the Mann–Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimator, while variability was assessed through statistical methods.

The results show widespread warming and increased extreme precipitation, but these trends vary significantly across regions. Non-uniform responses emerge across scenarios, with some northern regions experiencing decreases in specific precipitation indices despite the broader warming trend under SRM and non-SRM conditions. These findings provide critical insights into the potential impacts of SRM on future climate extremes in the Philippines and guidance on climate policy recommendations for decision-makers and stakeholders.

Publication data

Journal: Climate
Date: 24 August 2026
DOI: 10.3390/cli14090173

Authors

Patricia Ann Jaranilla-Sanchez

University of the Philippines Los Baños

Hanz Lester Lunas

University of the Philippines Los Baños

Catherine Gigantone

University of the Philippines Los Baños

Emmanuel Zeus Gapan

University of the Philippines Los Baños

Keane Carlo Lomibao

University of the Philippines Los Baños

Allan Tejada

University of the Philippines Los Baños

Rodel Lasco

University of the Philippines Los Baños​

Michael Jason L. Mozo

University of the Philippines Los Baños

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