Fighting climate change with #PositiveEnergy

The climate is changing. Filipinos can see and feel its effects already. Typhoons are slightly stronger than before. Hotter days are now more frequent than cooler ones, with unusual changes in rainfall patterns and weather temperatures. Just in May of last year, the country experienced the hottest temperature ever recorded: a scorching 50 degrees Celsius in Dagupan, Pangasinan. Climate change is a problem that we have to acknowledge and prepare for right now.

Cause and effect

While there are natural causes to climate change, it is human activities that greatly contributed to the rapid rate of global warming. The rising levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is enough to aggravate the Earth’s natural greenhouse effect.

The Philippines is the second most vulnerable country to climate change according to the 2020 Global Climate Risk Index. Over time, climate change can bring even more damaging weather disturbances, poverty, public health issues, economic loss, and environmental degradation. Therefore, it is imperative for Filipino decision-makers and industry leaders to address this problem now.

Forefront of local sustainability

 

SNAP-Magat Hydroelectric Power Plant

 

As the Philippines’ largest owner and operator of renewable energy based on installed capacity, AboitizPower, together with its partners, has advanced local energy sustainability and awareness over the past decades. The power giant ushered in Cleanergy, the company’s brand of renewable energy sources, as early as the 1970s, beginning with hydro, then later on expanding to add geothermal and solar power. AboitizPower has several hydroelectric, geothermal, and solar power generation facilities located across the nation under Cleanergy. Clean energy sources like these can hold off the adverse effects of climate change.

Numerous studies have shown that using clean energy sources is one of the keys to fighting climate change. For this reason, AboitizPower will further expand its Cleanergy portfolio, both here and abroad. This is the company’s way of improving the energy market in the country and to contribute to the global renewable energy goals.

Within the next 10 years, AboitizPower plans a major transition for its energy mix, balancing an almost 50:50 Cleanergy and thermal portfolio. With this strategy, the energy company will be able to efficiently address the country’s energy trilemma of energy security, energy equity, and environmental sustainability. This will enable AboitizPower to provide cleaner, reliable, and affordable power supply to its consumers.

Aside from the Climate Change Act of the Philippines, or R.A. 9729, there are several assisted climate change adaptation programs and projects implemented in the country. The conversation doesn’t end with large corporations and government bodies, however, as even individuals can contribute to the climate action. Filipinos can lend their voice to the cause, invest in clean energy, become a conscious consumer, and find other ways to lead a greener lifestyle.  Major climate action can be done if everyone works together.

Learn more about the country’s renewable energy plants by visiting the AboitizPower website and following them on Facebook.