By Rodolfo Dacleson II
(October 24, 2024) – An environmental network on Thursday warned the Department of Energy (DOE) from continuing its policy of using fossil fuels amid the ongoing devastation of Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Kristine in the Philippines.
The Power for People Coalition (P4P) stressed that STS Kristine will only be another addition among the strong typhoons that have battered the country due to the worsening climate crisis.
“The continued change in climate, caused by greenhouse gasses from fossil fuel use, have made them (typhoons) the new normal,” said P4P convenor Gerry Arances in a media release.
STS Kristine has caused massive flooding in many areas nationwide, leaving 20 at least dead and over 431,000 families affected, as of writing.
ALSO READ: STS Kristine affects over 431,000 families, death toll rises to 20
P4P slammed the DOE for allegedly prioritizing profits from energy companies, instead of forwarding “genuine concern” for consumers and energy security.
“The department, despite the studies, the typhoons, and the math, seems unperturbed by the consequences of their chosen course,” added Arances. “It is not too late, and we hope that they would come to their senses and choose to tap renewable energy.”
Environmental groups have repeatedly urged Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr. to prioritize shifting to renewable energy.
In September 2023, the DOE released the Philippine Energy Plan for 2030 until 2050, stating that the country will still rely on fossil fuels, including coal and gas despite their environmental hazards.
During the Conference of the Parties 26 in 2021, the Philippines was among the over 90 countries that signed a statement seeking to phase out coal in large countries by 2030 and the rest of the world by 2040 to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Fossil fuels produce large quantities of carbon dioxide when burned. Carbon emissions are among the leading contributors to climate change since they trap heat in the atmosphere.
ALSO READ: Government admits gaps after Philippines tops global risk index for third straight year
“The laws of climate science are immutable. If we continue to burn fossil fuels, we will continue to experience more destructive typhoons and they will come more frequently,” said Arances.
(PM)
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