Transitioning toward renewable energy (RE) and away from fossil fuels, the largest contributor to climate change, may be the greatest gift we can offer the planet during and beyond Philippine Environment Month.
A study published in the journal Earth System Science Data revealed that emissions from fossil fuels in 2023 accounted for 36.8 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide, underscoring the need for industries to shift to eco-friendly sources.
Aiming to champion renewable energy and sustainability, environmental organizations Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) and New Energy Nexus Philippines held an RE workshop from May 24 to 25 at Containers by Eco Hotel in Tagaytay.
The workshop explored ways for individuals, businesses, and communities to contribute to a climate-resilient future. It involved the use of solar, biomass, wind, and geothermal sources as RE to help reduce coal dependency in the country.
“Fossil fuels are simply solar energy stored in a secondary form. It's easy to use the least, but there's an environmental cost to it,” said Arturo Tahup, ICSC director for community resilience. “We have in our hands the power to increase the share of renewable energy from solar and wind in the coming decades.”
With its 552 “solar scholars,” ICSC plans to spread solar technology and knowledge across the Philippines for at-home use, community services, and health education. Partaking in this initiative starts by assessing your energy needs and consumption, which can be determined using user-friendly solar calculators.
According to Tahup, renewable energy sources are indigenous to the Philippines. He stated that solar, hydro, and wind sources are more affordable and cleaner than traditional fossil fuels, highlighting the potential for increased savings for households and businesses.
“Unlike finite and imported fossil fuels, solar energy provides a consistent and sustainable power supply. With proper education and training, setting up solar energy systems is straightforward, and communities can invest in learning about it since it is accessible and manageable with proper guidance,” he added.
If we rely solely on fossil fuels for energy, the only home we cherish today may no longer be habitable in the future. With renewable energy, Filipinos contribute to creating a cleaner environment and a more sustainable energy system, helping build a future where going green is the norm.