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A Position Paper on Climate Change:

A Carbon-Free Philippines

Gwyneth E. Fortaleza
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As an archipelago country situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines has always

been prone to storm surges, flooding, typhoons, volcanic eruptions, and volcanic and tectonic

earthquakes. In fact, the country ranks as the top 8 most vulnerable country to disasters according

to the 2021 World Risk Report (World Health Index, 2021). The already vulnerable country is

even facing a greater threat now that climate change is present and is worsening the annual climate

conditions. With that, the Philippines is the most at risk of climate change according to the Institute

for Economics and Peace (2019), mentioned by FutureLearn (2021). Despite these conditions, the

national response to climate change is unsatisfactory, ranking in the top 25% with the most gas

emissions among low-income and middle-income countries ranking (The World Bank, 2013). This

stresses the essential role of the government in devising or improving present programs to enhance

the achievement of a zero-carbon footprint in the Philippines.

One measure to be taken is to ideate the most efficient way to mass-produce carbon-neutral

energy. The government, specifically the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of

Science and Technology (DOST) should work together to reorient the present reliance of the

country on fossil fuels. It would also be of mutual advantage if both provide support to Filipino

researchers working on renewable energy sources. For instance, several local pieces of research

have examined biomass for renewable energy production. Ladanai & Vinterback (2009) claims

that biomass resources are common; and that 5% of the annual global production of biomass is

enough to cover almost 50% of the international primary energy demand back then. Moreover,

after analyzing local seaweed species as a sustainable feedstock for biogas production, Marquez

et al. (2014) mentioned the essential role of the government in bringing the technology to the

communities. The findings of a study, entitled Potentials of Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Crop

Residues for the Displacement of Fossil Fuels: A Philippine Context, conducted by Go et al. in
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2019 concluded that widely available agricultural resources, mainly crop residues from sugarcane,

paddy rice, coconut, and maize, can replace a significant fraction of the fossil fuels presently

consumed in the Philippines. With that, the government priority after that should be allowing

renewable energy to be affordable and accessible to the public. DOE (2021) mentions in the

Philippine Energy Plan 2020 – 2040 that the household sector still consumes the majority of the

total energy consumption of the country, although only 29.4% percent of households in the

Philippines consumes electrical energy. Furthermore, the transport sector in the Philippines is

considered the largest source of energy-related greenhouse gases, with a total of 34% of national

greenhouse gases emissions (TRANSfer, 2018). Providing renewable energy sources to the public

could significantly reduce carbon emissions by providing a readily available alternative to fossil

fuels.

Another measure that could be done; specifically, by the DOST, is identifying effective

carbon capture technology that would tap on the abundance of natural resources available in the

country. This is supported by Lasco et al. (2005), cited by Climate Adaptation Platform (2020),

claiming the potential of carbon sequestration projects in the Philippines brought about by its

biophysical features as well as the areas of land that could and should undergo reforestation.

Additionally, Abino at al. (2013) concluded, after conducting their study on natural mangrove

stands in Samar, that natural mangrove forests in Botoc, regardless of its small diversity of species,

carry the potential to sequester a high concentration of atmospheric carbon. Furthermore, the

findings of Janiola & Marin (2016) suggest the promotion of using fruit tree crops to help mitigate

climate change for their potential as carbon sinks. These studies show the vast potential of the

natural resources of the Philippines as a method against climate change; however, the studies
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would not receive justice if not utilized by policy and decision-makers to craft policies and

programs to respond to climate change.

Lastly, the government should provide better consumer education about climate change

and electricity usage, giving the normal public the ability to take part in reducing carbon emissions.

The government should provide education to the youths in school, as well as the residents in the

rural area. Combest-Friedman et al. (2012) found in their study that level of education has a direct

relationship with awareness of climate change. Likewise, among smallholder farmers from Bohol,

a negatively significant correlation was observed between their level of education and view of

trees as a source of livelihood, and their recognition of the roles of trees against climate change

(Lasco et al., 2015). Educating those in the rural area with no source of electricity could also benefit

them greatly, as they will be enlightened about the possible sources of energy that are readily

available in their area. Practical electricity usage should also be taught to household owners (such

as the purchasing of home appliances that consume less electricity.) Additionally, household

owners could be encouraged to turn to better sources of energy. One of the most common is solar

energy. Harvesting solar energy would be taking advantage of the tropical weather of our country,

given that the Philippines experiences clear sunshine 48% of the year, according to historical data

(Valiente, 2018). The study of Enteria et al. (2015) also supports that solar panel installation on

rooftops can provide enough energy for household electricity consumption. Another alternative

source of energy is household biogas digesters (Marquez et al., 2014). Nevertheless, they also

claim that biogas digesters should be demonstrated for encouragement, and that government

support is still essential in implementing the technologies in the communities.

Overall, the government should improve current policies and programs to execute the mass

consumption of renewable energies and alter the present fossil fuel dependency. Also, more
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research studies should focus on the potential and implementation of local renewable energy

sources and carbon capture technology that would efficiently take advantage of the country's

natural resources and geographical characteristics. Finally, advocating the active participation of

the community in the movement towards the carbon-neutral Philippines is equally as crucial as

fighting climate change is a collective effort.

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References

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