Modern technology and development undeniably made life easier for civilizations. Yet the advantages of modernization have their setbacks, particularly on the environment.
Climate change remains a primary concern among countries as they have felt the impact of extreme weather phenomena that threaten the longevity of numerous industries and human welfare.
There are several causes of climate change, foremost of which is energy pollution. Several studies from different organizations discovered that fossil fuels are the top contributors to greenhouse gases, which further global warming and environmental pollution. As a result, it causes rapid changes in the earth’s temperature and the degradation of natural resources.
Coal remains the dirtiest fuel that emits more greenhouse gases than other energy sources. However, many industries, particularly in urban areas, continue to rely on coal for energy because it’s accessible and cost-effective.
As global reports become increasingly concerning, governments have begun looking or shifting to renewable energy as a safer and more sustainable alternative. The Philippines is among those countries focusing on strengthening the use of the renewable energy sector.
Renewable energy pertains to the power that comes from natural resources. It replenishes itself at a rapid rate than its consumption.
Some renewable energy sources in the country include geothermal, hydro, biomass, solar, on- and off-shore wind, and waste-to-energy. Yet several roadblocks pose challenges to achieving complete reliance on renewable energy. Nonetheless, the Philippine government continues to find solutions, starting with the public and the set of rules on renewable energy.
One known initiative toward shifting to green energy in the Philippines is the Green Energy Option Program.
The GEOP is one of the Department of Energy’s programs to meet the objectives of the Renewable Energy Act, which aims to accelerate the development of renewable energy sources, achieve self-reliance, and mitigate the impact of climate change in the country. It empowers consumers by encouraging them to switch to renewable energy as their source of electricity, which is cleaner and more environment-friendly than fossil fuels.
Before the government furthers the effort, they’re looking to fine-tune particular rules in the GEOP to address challenges that discourage consumers from participating. There are less than 160-end users currently enrolled in the program.
Shifting to renewable energy is a concept that seems foreign to most Filipinos. Limited awareness among the population can hurt the cause rather than support it. Switching to renewable energy requires more than long-term planning and regulation from the government. It has to present opportunities like jobs, distribution, and fair prices to capture the public’s attention.
Implementing apt improvements on the GEOP’s design and clarifying its technicalities can help unlock the program’s full potential and for renewable energy to become the norm among Filipinos.
Apart from benefiting Filipinos as they transition to renewable energy, a well-developed GEOP will encourage global companies to purchase similar sources and invest in its development.
Other efforts from the DOE’s National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) include a directive to use biofuels through a program that furthers its development through fund allocation and other similar steps. The NREP signals the country’s leap to a focused and sustained drive toward energy security and improved access to clean energy.
Meanwhile, several lawmakers are taking necessary steps to promote renewable energy in the Philippines.
One prime example is Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez. Earlier this month, he pushed for the passage of a bill meant to establish the Philippine Renewable Energy Corp. (PREC). The institution will focus on developing renewable energy sources in the country.
Rodriguez urges Congress to enact measures to secure a stable, affordable, and reliable electricity supply to sustain economic growth and enhance the nation’s well-being.
The Philippines also actively partners with other countries to further its thrust toward the use of renewable energy.
Recognizing its long-term benefits
The United Nations (UN) and other governing bodies across the globe recognize the relevance of renewable energy in combatting the effects of climate change. The best thing about renewable energy is that its sources are readily available and abundant in the environment.
Using renewable energy could help countries meet the goal of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to below two, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. Possible results include the reversal of rapid temperature changes that cause extreme weather phenomena and threaten the sustainability of various industries.
Besides lessening the number of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels in the atmosphere, there are other advantages to transitioning to renewable energy.
One notable benefit is protecting the public’s health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 99 percent of people in the world breathe air that exceeds air quality limits, thereby putting their well-being at risk. Fossil fuels contribute unhealthy levels of particulate matter and nitrogen oxide to the atmosphere.
Switching to renewable energy sources, like wind and solar, are better alternatives to protect the public’s health.
From an economic standpoint, renewable energy makes more sense as it only requires a sizeable investment initially, but eventually becomes more affordable if implemented appropriately.
Moreover, the UN justified that reducing pollution and climate change impacts could save the world up to $4.2 trillion annually by 2030.
The renewable energy industry also has the potential to create three times more job opportunities for the public than fossil fuels. Workers, especially skilled technicians, are responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining the processes of these sustainable energy sources. It creates a community, where nobody gets left behind as the global population strives toward self-sufficiency through clean energy.
Although energy lies at the heart of climate change, solutions on how to address it are available. One ideal course of action at the moment is shifting to renewable energy. The Philippines has abundant renewable energy sources, but has yet to refine its implementation nationwide. Fortunately, the government isn’t sleeping on the issue and has taken the necessary steps to the transition.
With a joint effort between the government, private sectors, and everyday Filipinos, the Philippines has the opportunity to solve the issue of climate change caused by energy pollution.