BATTLE OF THE BRAINS: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION
Contest Info Kit
This info kit will cover the different topics that will be taken up during the quiz bee. These topics include
climate change, renewable energy, and sustainability. Study this very carefully to make sure that you’ll
be able to answer the questions at the quiz bee! While this will cover all these topics, we also advise you
to consult other sources to help you be better prepared for the contest, and have the best chance of
winning.
We will be basing several questions on information posted on the Positive Energy Facebook page
(https://www.facebook.com/PositiveEnergyNegros/) so make sure to follow the page closely, and look
back at older posts as well.
Other sources you can study include:
- The UN Sustainable Development Goals website:
http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/
- The Climate Reality Project Facebook pages: https://www.facebook.com/climatereality and
https://www.facebook.com/climaterealityphilippines/
- www.energy.com.ph
- www.energy.com.ph/sustainability
I. CLIMATE CHANGE
Weather vs. Climate: While both refer to the conditions around us, there is an important distinction
between them.
- Weather – A specific event or condition happening over a short period of time (hours to days).
Types of weather include rainy, windy, sunny, and even thunderstorms and snowfalls.
- Climate – The average weather conditions over a long period of time (decades to centuries). Types
of climate include tropical, and temperate climates.
Climate change is a global or regional shift in average weather conditions (climate). This could mean a
change in the average temperature of a place, or the precipitation patterns. Climate change has happened
before, and is a natural phenomenon. However, the climate change we are experiencing today is different,
and more dangerous, because it has been caused by human activity. This present period of climate change
that we are experiencing is called global warming.
Global warming is the increase in the earth’s average surface temperature. Because of global warming,
temperatures all over the world (even in very cold places) have been climbing, and the earth has been
getting hotter.
The Greenhouse Effect is the reason behind global warming. This is a phenomenon where certain gases,
known as greenhouse gases traps the heat coming from the sun inside our own atmosphere. The earth’s
surface absorbs energy from the sun, which we can feel as heat rising from the ground even after the sun
has gone down. Over time, this heat gets released from the earth, and escapes back into outer space.
However, because the Greenhouse Effect is intensified by the release of greenhouse gases (for example,
from power plants, factories, and cars), this heat can get trapped instead of being released into space.
This heats up the atmosphere, and warms the surface of the earth.
The Greenhouse Effect is natural, and necessary to make the earth warm enough for us to live on.
However, because of human activity intensifying this effect by releasing dangerous amounts of
greenhouse gases, the Greenhouse Effect has become too strong, and it is making our world too hot.
Aside from the release of greenhouse gases, deforestation which is the depletion of trees and forests,
which help regulate the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, also contributes to the
Greenhouse Effect.
Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere. Some examples of these gases are:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) – This is the most basic and most abundant greenhouse gas. It is produced
in many places, and is even created when you breathe out. Carbon dioxide stay in the atmosphere
for thousands of years. One common source of carbon dioxide is the burning of fossil fuels, like
coal and oil. Industrial factories and many vehicles that use gasoline will also release a large
amount of carbon dioxide. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, and so deforestation
means more carbon dioxide as well.
- Methane – A major part of the gases that are released when plants and other organic compounds
decompose. Methane can stay in the atmosphere for around 12 years, and traps 100 times more
heat than carbon dioxide. It is most commonly produced livestock, like cows, when they digest
food. Other sources include decaying trash, natural gas production, and coal mining.
- Nitrous oxide (N2O) – Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide can last for around 100
years in the atmosphere, and can trap almost 300 times as much heat as CO 2. It is commonly
produced by farms that use fertilizer with extra nitrogen. Bacteria in the soil can turn this nitrogen
into nitrous oxide. It can also come from burning fossil fuels, and vehicles.
- Other greenhouse gases – There are many other different gases that contribute to global
warming. These include hydrofluorocarbons, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs were very
common in refrigerators and aerosol propellants (like hairspray), until they were banned by the
Montreal Protocol, which looked to cut down on gases that contribute to global warming.
The ozone layer is located 15-50km above the earth. It is composed of a substance called ozone, and it
helps protect the earth from radiation from the sun. Substances like CFCs damage the ozone layer.
A graph showing the different kinds of greenhouse gases, and their abundance in our atmosphere
The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by a person, family, organization, or building is called a
carbon footprint. This includes emissions from burning fuel, as well as the production of electricity,
decaying of landfills, and production or consumption of goods. For example, using a lot of electricity will
increase your carbon footprint, as will driving a car to school. A company that burns a lot of coal with also
have a large carbon footprint.
One way that greenhouse gases can be reduced is through carbon sequestration. This is the process
through which trees, and some specialized machines, can collect and store carbon dioxide, preventing it
from being released into the atmosphere. Another way is decarbonization, where carbon producing
activities are modified or lessened (like biking to school instead of taking a car, or using a car with an
electric motor). Renewable energy is a way of decarbonizing our energy generation, and is an important
way of helping reduce greenhouse gases.
A diagram showing the many factors contributing to global warming, and its many effects
II. RENEWABLE ENERGY
There are two types of energy available to us: renewable and non-renewable. A source is considered non-
renewable energy if it cannot be replenished in a short time. For example, coal and oil take thousands of
years to form, and we use them much faster than they can be generated.
Types of non-renewable energy
- Crude oil – Formed from plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. This is a liquid fossil
fuel that is found in underground pools, in tiny spaces within sedimentary rocks, and near the
surface, in tar sands.
- Natural gas – Formed deep beneath the earth’s surface. This is a gas fossil fuel, mainly composed
of methane and other gases.
- Coal – Formed from the remains of plants that lived millions of years ago. This is a solid fossil fuel.
While all fossil fuels release a large amount of carbon, coal releases the most.
- Nuclear power – Power generated by harnessing the energy released from very radioactive
materials like Uranium. Energy is released through a process called nuclear fission, or the splitting
of atoms. While nuclear power does not release a large amount of carbon, it is non-renewable
because of the finite amount of radioactive material.
The other type of energy source is renewable energy. These are sources that are naturally occurring, and
can be replenished within a short period of time, or are nearly limitless.
Solar Energy
In solar energy, the sun’s rays are harnessed and converted to energy. This is done through the use of
photovoltaic cells that are parts of solar panels. When sunlight strikes a photovoltaic cell, a chemical
reaction occurs, allowing the energy of the sun to be converted into electricity. This phenomenon is called
the photoelectric effect. It takes a large number of solar panels to create enough energy to power cities,
and many of them can be built in an area designed to harness solar energy, called a solar farm.
Solar energy is one of the most abundant and common form of renewable energy. However, its capacity
to produce electricity is relatively weak. It also uses the most land to produce a similar amount of energy
compared to other forms of renewable energy. It can also be unreliable, because it is dependent on the
weather and the time of day.
Wind Energy
Wind is created from the differences in air temperature caused by the sun, and the uneven heat
absorption of the land. Hot air rises and cool air rushes to take its place. This movement of cool air results
in wind. This can be used to generate electricity. Tall windmills are constructed to take advantage of this.
Turbines are built on top of these windmills. When the wind turns the blades of these windmills, it spins
the turbine as well, generating electricity. Areas with many windmills, designed to create large amounts
of wind energy are called wind farms.
Wind energy produces more electricity than solar energy, but it is also highly dependent on the weather.
Windmills can also disrupt geography if not placed correctly, and can harm birds that fly near their blades.
Geothermal Energy
This form of energy comes from deep below the earth. Three kilometers under the ground, water is
heated by volcanic and tectonic activity. Tectonic activity is the movement of the earth’s crust, which
causes earthquakes. This hot water can be found in geothermal wells full of steam and hot water. In
generating geothermal energy, these wells are drilled into, and the hot water is brought to the surface.
This water is used to generate steam, which is used to spin turbines, generating electricity.
Geothermal energy produces significantly more electricity than other forms of renewable energy, and it
takes up the least amount of land to produce this energy. It can also produce energy very reliably, since it
is not affected by weather conditions. However, geothermal energy cannot be produced just anywhere,
it must be set up in a place with a lot of tectonic activity. Negros Island is one such area, and is blessed
with many geothermal resources. Geothermal wells do release some greenhouse gases, but there are
ways to manage this, and the amount is much less than fossil fuels.
Hydroelectric Energy
Hydroelectric energy is renewable because of the water cycle. Water heated by the sun evaporates and
condenses into clouds. Rain comes out of these clouds, and collects in streams, rivers, and waterfalls. The
motion of the water in these bodies of water can be harnessed to create energy. A dam is constructed on
a river or waterfall. Water flows through this, and into turbines, spinning the turbines and creating energy.
Water can be stored in dams and can be released of when electricity is needed.
While this is a powerful source of energy, dams cannot be constructed in any body of water. Many things
must be considered, like the effects of a dam on local animal and human life.
Biomass Energy
Biomass energy is the burning of organic material from plants and animals. The heat released from
burning these materials is used to create steam, and spin turbines. Biomass can also be converted to liquid
biofuels and biogas than can be burned similarly to gasoline. While this is a renewable form of energy, it
still releases greenhouse gases. It is also less efficient compared to the other types of renewable energy.
Wave Energy
This is an emerging form of renewable energy, where large machines harness the motion of ocean waves,
and turn it into energy. The motion of the waves moves these machines, allowing them to spin turbines,
generating energy.
Renewable Energy in the Philippines
The above graphs are based on the Department of Energy’s statistics of the country’s electricity use in
2016. The left graph shows power generation, or the amount of electricity that was actually generated
by each type of energy source. The graph on the left shows total installed capacity, of the maximum
potential of a certain power plant, or type of energy source, to produce electricity. These are different
because a power plant will not always be in operation, and will not always be generating at its maximum
capacity.
This shows that while we still rely on coal and fossil fuels, the capacity of renewable energy is growing.
We still need to keep pushing for the development of renewable energy sources over coal and oil.
Despite being proven to be clean, reliable, and infinite, renewable energy is still opposed by some groups
because it is believed to be expensive and impractical. However, statistics show that renewable energy
has been steadily decreasing in price all over the globe. Renewable energy has other benefits as well. For
instance, more engineers and other personnel are required to run renewable energy operations. This
means that renewable energy creates jobs.
In some countries, it has come to the point where renewable energy is cheaper than coal energy. And in
certain more advanced countries, their economy relies purely on renewable energy. For further details,
check out this article: http://www.greenpeace.org/africa/en/campaigns/Climate-change/renewable-
energy-myths/
The advancement and cost reduction of renewable energy can be attributed to better technologies and
government policies. One such policy that could pave the way for renewable energy being cheaper in the
Philippines is the Renewable Energy Law, otherwise known as Republic Act No. 9513, or the Renewable
Energy Act of 2008. It took effect on January 30, 2009. It was authored and sponsored by Senator Juan
Miguel Zubiri, who earned the nickname Mr. Clean Energy for being a fervent advocate of clean energy.
The Renewable Energy Law is an act promoting the development, utilization, and commercialization of
renewable energy resources.
*Senator Zubiri talks about the progress of renewable energy in the Philippines since the implementation
of RA 9513:
http://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/09/the-philippines-renewable-energy-sector-is-booming-and-itcould-
get-bigger.html
The graph above shows the growth of installed renewable energy capacity since RA 9513 took effect.
In addition to RA 9513, we also have the Biofuels Act of 2006 or Republic Act No. 9367. It states that it is
“the policy of the State to reduce dependence on imported fuels with due regard to the protection of
public health, the environment, and natural ecosystems consistent with the country’s sustainable
economic growth that would expand opportunities for livelihood by mandating the use of biofuels...”
Both RA 9367 and RA 9513 resonate with the Clean Air Act of 1999 or Republic Act No. 8749, which
declares that ―the State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful
ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.” It is a law that recognizes that polluters must
pay—this includes fossil fuel companies as well as manufacturing companies that belch out pollutants and
greenhouse gases into the air.
The Philippines is not new to renewable energy, but it has been enjoying growth in that department
recently. We have had policies for climate action since the 1990s—it was just a matter of implementing
them properly and taking action. Political will has proven to play a big role in advancing renewable energy
and making it the more affordable end ultimately better choice for our economy and environment. In fact,
according to the Philippine Energy Plan, the government hopes to increase the use of renewable energy
in the country to 35% by 2030.
Geothermal Energy and Trees
As previously mentioned, geothermal energy is clean and reliable. However, it is not available to all
countries. Fortunately, the Philippines is one such country that is blessed with geothermal hotspots. In
fact, geothermal energy sources are so abundant in the Philippines that we are among the top producers
of geothermal energy (only second to the United States of America).
Graph showing the installed geothermal capacities of different countries as of 2015
The above graph is based on data collected in 2015. While the US produces nearly twice as much as we
do, we are doing comparatively better considering that the Philippines is much smaller compared to the
US. We owe our great capacity for geothermal energy to our geography: we are part of the Pacific Ring of
Fire, an area around the Pacific Ocean that is a center of many volcanic and tectonic activities that form
volcanoes. Naturally, this entails that we are also blessed with geothermal hotspots.
Negros Island’s geothermal plants, operated and owned by the Energy Development Corporation (EDC),
utilizes the Zero Discharge System (ZDS), which eliminates waste from geothermal energy production
through a process of separating geothermal steam from water, channeling the steam through filters and
out of the system, and reinjecting the cooled water back to the geothermal well to recharge the reservoir.
Negros Island’s geothermal plants have a total installed capacity of 222.5 Megawatts. This installed
capacity can still grow, but what is more important is that it is maintained. This is done through the help
of the planet’s natural water cycle and trees. (1 Megawatt is equivalent to 1 million watts. Megawatts
are commonly used to measure the amount of power a plant produces).
Below are some infographics that will help illustrate how geothermal energy works. More infographics
can be found on the Positive Energy Facebook page.
Trees play an important role in the maintenance of geothermal reservoirs due to their capability to hold
water and release it deep into the earth. Trees absorb water and slow down the fall of raindrops, which
allows the soil to gradually absorb more water. Trees purify the rainwater before releasing it into natural
channels such as streams and groundwater reserves—this recharges geothermal reservoirs as well.
Other than helping to maintain the water cycle and geothermal energy resources, trees and forests also
help in other environmental and social aspects, most notably in disaster management, carbon
sequestration, and promoting biodiversity.
In a country that experiences frequent storms and heavy rainfall, trees are even more important as they
prevent erosion by holding the soil together, and reduce flooding by absorbing water. Trees also act as
natural air conditioners, cooling the air around them.
Trees also absorb carbon dioxide, one of the major greenhouse gases, and convert it to oxygen that is
needed by humans and other animals. A single young tree can absorb 26 pounds of CO2 per year, while
an aged tree can absorb at a rate of 48 pounds of CO2 per year—imagine if we had acres upon acres of
young and old trees!
In fact, forests absorb more carbon than the sum of its parts. There are two types of forests: old-growth
forests and secondary forests. Old-growth forests consist are untouched or considered as virgin forests.
Secondary forests, on the other hand, are those that are replanted or in the process of being restored
after having been harvested or logged over. According to research published in the journal Nature,
secondary forests’ carbon uptake is 11 times the rate of old-growth forests. This means that regrowing
forests not only grow quickly, but they also absorb far more CO2 than old trees. The research also reveals
that that regrowing tropical forests absorb almost 30-percent of all the heat-trapping carbon dioxide in
the atmosphere. This is not to say that old-growth forests are less useful as they are more ecologically
stable and biodiverse. Tree planting is helpful for rehabilitating forests, because they provide tree cover
and promote the growth of other seedlings called regenerants.
Forests and trees also protect and promote biodiversity. Biodiversity is defined as the variety of life on
Earth or within a specific area or ecosystem. The Philippines is a biodiversity hotspot, meaning it enjoys
a high level of biodiversity in both flora and fauna. The continued existence of trees means that the various
species we have will be able to continue living in their ecosystems. However, just trees are not enough—
they have to be native or indigenous trees.
Native or indigenous trees are trees that are naturally present in an area. They are characterized by their
ability to grow in their locale without human intervention, meaning that these species grew in their locale
naturally. Compared to introduced or foreign species, these trees can survive better in their natural locale.
For example, in the Philippines, an apitong tree is more likely to survive here than a willow tree. Native
trees are notably more important because it supports local flora and fauna. Some animal and insect
species would only feed on and live in specific trees. Likewise, some plants and fungi will only be able to
thrive alongside certain local species. The Philippines enjoys high biodiversity because its ecosystem
supports a host of indigenous trees, which in turn creates a habitat for a vast number of species.
For these reasons, it is important that we continue planting native trees, and continue our reforestation
and forest conservation efforts. On Negros Island, we have the 10M in 10 program, the biggest
reforestation project in Negros, which aims to plant 10 million trees within 10 years, and the BINHI
program, which focuses on restoring endangered premium native species to abundance by propagating
seedlings and planting them in key areas. To date, over 6 million trees have been planted all over the
country as a result of the BINHI program.
Both our economy and our environment stand to benefit from trees and geothermal energy. It is up to us
to support green advocacies and promote what is best for our environment and society.
EDC and Negros Island
The geothermal power plant in Negros Island in the locality of Valencia, Negros Oriental is owned and
operated by the Energy Development Corporation (EDC). In Negros Island alone, EDC contributes 222.5
Megawatts of purely renewable energy from geothermal sources through the Southern Negros
Geothermal Project (SNGP). Across its six locations in the entire country, it generates a total of 1,457.8
MW of renewable energy from geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar. This is a considerable amount of
energy. 1 MW of energy is enough to power roughly 20,000 rural homes. EDC also provides 21% of the
country’s renewable energy capacity as of December 2016.
The graph below shows the differences in carbon emissions between EDC’s renewable energy generation
and the average coal and oil generation. Note how much smaller EDC’s carbon footprint is than those of
traditional energy generators.
The typical lifespan of a geothermal plant is 25 years, but EDC’s plant in Valencia has been functioning
safely and reliably for 35 years now—and it continues to do so through top-of-the-line technologies and
systems such as the Zero Discharge System (ZDS).
Through the ZDS, hot water and steam that are drawn up from the ground are cooled after they are used
to generate electricity. This cool water is then pumped back underground, and back into the geothermal
reservoir. This helps sustain the reservoir for many years, and also greatly cuts down on the waste that
the plant produces, since used water does not have to be disposed of.
And because geothermal energy is able to generate electricity under almost any conditions, at any hour
of the day, it can provide base load power, which means it provides non-stop power for most of the year.
Geothermal is uniquely qualified for this, compared to other renewable energy sources like wind and solar
which, while powerful, are not as consistent as geothermal energy.
In the Philippines, EDC is the first and only energy company to adopt this technology. This means that
Negros Island’s geothermal energy is clean, reliable, and renewable. This also complies with the Clean
Water Act of 2004 or Republic Act No. 9275, which declares that the State shall pursue a policy of
economic growth in a manner consistent with the protection, preservation and revival of the quality of
our fresh, brackish and marine waters.
A simple illustration of the Zero Discharge System. Hot water (red) is pumped up from the reservoir and used to
generate electricity. It is then cooled, and this cold water (blue) is pumped back down to the reservoir.
EDC strives to do more than just harness renewable energy and distribute it to Negros Island and other
regions. It is also committed to community welfare and environmental stewardship, which is shown
through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs for its partner communities, categorized into
four areas: Health, Education, Livelihood, and Environment (HELEn).
An overview of some of EDC’s community projects
Through these four focus areas, EDC ensures inclusive growth in all areas of operation, ultimately
benefitting its partner communities and the environment.
In Negros Island, EDC’s well-known environmental projects are the BINHI, and the 10M in 10 programs.
These programs fall under EDC’s Watershed Management, which operates on the importance of trees in
maintaining the water cycle, reducing carbon emissions, protecting our biodiversity, providing steady
sources of livelihood for communities. The programs under this clause are done in collaboration with
stakeholders such as communities, local government units, non-government organizations, and
educational institutions. These efforts are organized under the BUFFER program, which stands for
Biodiversity Conservation and Management, Upland Community Management, Forest Restoration, Forest
Protection and Enforcement of Forestry Laws, Ecotourism, and Regulatory and Permit Compliance.
BINHI is a nationwide forest restoration programs. It approaches this from many angles, divided according
to its four modules. The Tree for Life module focuses on reforestation efforts. The Tree for Food module
focuses on establishing plantations of fruit-bearing trees, which can be a source of food and a livelihood
option for locals. The Tree for Leisure focuses on developing ecotourism sites and promoting communities
living in harmony with nature.
The Tree for the Future module aims to restore vanishing native and premium Philippine tree species,
such as the Almaciga, Apitong, Yakal, Almon, and Tanguile, among 96 identified species, which are mostly
present in Negros Island. This is to secure the gene pool of premium and indigenous tree species, enhance
and maintain biological diversity, promote eco-tourism, and support the livelihood of host communities.
The state-of-the-art nursery for these tree species, which draws its seeds from a vegetative material
reproduction (VMR) or cloning facility, is located in Bago City, Negros Occidental.
Among the successes of the program are the two Yakal-saplungan trees that were planted in RM Araneta
Elementary School in Mailum, Bago City, Negros Occidental in 2009, which have already produced seeds
in 2014 and 2015. From 1990 to 2008, EDC planted around 1.4 million trees throughout 2,310 hectares.
Through its BINHI program, EDC was able to plant close to two million trees on 2,700 hectares in different
areas of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental from 2009 to 2015.
As for its other major environmental program, 10M in 10 is short for 10 million trees in 10 years. It is
Negros Island's biggest forest restoration movement that aims to plant, grow, and protect at least 10
million native trees in the next 10 years by working with environmentally invested individuals,
government bodies, NGOs, and other private companies. This movement sees EDC working with 89
committed partners all over Negros Island Region the in late 2016, the goal to plant 1 million trees for
that year was met, and efforts to meet 2017’s goal 1 million trees is already well underway.
While EDC promises to continue its efforts to provide clean and reliable renewable energy, cooperation
among various groups and individuals is undoubtedly important in helping and protecting both
environment and society. Working with EDC and other organizations through these projects is one way
we can contribute to the environment
III. SUSTAINABILITY
The word sustainable is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as (1) capable of being sustained; and
(2) of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted
or permanently damaged; or (3) of or relating to a lifestyle involving the use of sustainable methods.
In 1987, sustainable development was defined by the Brundtland Commission, as meeting the needs of
the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This was
commonly understood as preserving and managing environmental resources.
The modern definition of sustainability covers more than just the environment, and is defined such that
it includes the steady development of both human society and the environment. Sustainability is also
characterized by the triple bottomline, which is composed of three aspects: environmental, social, and
economic. It is also known as the three Ps (People, Planet, and Profit). A certain lifestyle, process, or set
of operations (like in a company) is said to be sustainable if it balances all three aspects. According to the
US Enviornmental Protection Agency, “[t]o pursue sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions
under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future
generations.”
Sustainability is a worldwide effort. Companies and organizations from all across the globe have begun to
adopt sustainable practices to secure the future of our planet. In 2015, the United Nations released a set
of goals to help direct these efforts. These are called the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs). These goals were meant help benefit the triple bottomline, by 2030. There are 17 SDGs:
1) No poverty
2) Zero hunger
3) Good health and well-being
4) Quality education
5) Gender equality
6) Clean water and sanitation
7) Affordable and clean energy
8) Decent work and economic growth
9) Industry, innovation, and infrastructure
10) Reduced inequalities
11) Sustainable cities and communities
12) Responsible consumption and production
13) Climate action
14) Life below water
15) Life on land
16) Peace, justice, and strong institutions
17) Partnerships for the goals
Alignment with these goals is an essential part of sustainability. For descriptions of each goal, visit the UN
SDGs website: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/
Another recent development in sustainability is the COP21, which is also known as the Paris Climate
Agreement, or simply the Paris Agreement. Its acronym stands for Conference of Parties and this is the
21st in the series of talks. The first COP was in Berlin in 1995. Governments all over the world have come
together to find a way to stop climate change before, since 1992 where countries concerned about climate
change discussed this at length. What makes COP21 special is that it is our last chance to come to an
agreement on what we should do about climate change. The deadline was set in 2011.
The goal of COP21 is the "stabilization of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at a level that would
prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system." COP21 set a threshold for
dangerous climate change: 2 degrees Celsius. Since 1850, the world’s average temperature has risen by 1
degree Celsius. This caused the polar ice caps to begin melting at increasingly accelerating rates, along
with other problems such as ocean acidification and stronger storms.
As of June 2017, 195 countries have signed the Paris Agreement, and 153 have ratified it. The Philippines
ratified the treaty in March 2017.
Majority of the world’s countries have signed and that is a good thing for all of us because governments
and collective action play a big role in ensuring compliance and action. In fact, our country has its own law
to help promote the effort against climate change: Republic Act No. 9729 or the Climate Change Act of
2009. RA 9729 declares that it is “the policy of the State to afford full protection and the advancement of
the right of the people to a healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.”
Additionally, we also have Filipino scientists and representatives at the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC), the leading international body for the assessment of climate change (more at
www.ipcc.ch). Maximo Baradas of the Philippine Rice Research Institute, and Rex Victor Cruz and Felino
Lansigan of the University of the Philippines Los Baños are working with other researchers across the globe
to keep tabs on climate change.
An increasing number of companies in the Philippines are also adopting the GRI framework for
sustainability reporting, which enables businesses, government, and other organizations to report their
sustainability performance, and evaluate and improve themselves. GRI stands for Global Reporting
Initiative, and it has pioneered sustainability reporting since 2009, and more and more companies have
begun using this framework.
Knowing this, it is certain that our country is going down the path of sustainability and is doing its part in
mitigating climate change. However, individual action is still crucial to make sure that we achieve our own
country’s sustainability goals, as well as contribute to the entire world.
There are many things we can do to be sustainable in our own ways.
- Reduce, reuse, and recycle. This will contribute a lot to reducing the production of many materials
like plastics, and reducing the amount of trash and waste that can pollute many different
environments
- Save water. Turning off faucets when not in use, or taking less time in the shower are small things
that still can make a difference in conserving water.
- Reduce meat consumption. This will reduce the amount of livestock necessary to provide us with
food, reducing the amount of methane released by them.
- Walk or ride a bike instead of taking a car. This will help reduce your carbon emissions and carbon
footprint.
- Buy and use local products. Not only does this support local economies, it also helps reduce
carbon emissions from the transport of imported products.
There are lists and lists of things we can do to contribute to
sustainability and prevent dangerous climate change. But the
first thing we have to is be aware and know what we can do to
help save the environment.
You now have the basic knowledge to get started on your path
to being a responsible champion of sustainability. It’s up to you
to know more and do more for our planet.
Best of luck studying! See you at the Battle of the Brains!
References
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/noaa-n/climate/climate_weather.html
http://www.environment.gov.au/climate-change/climate-science/greenhouse-effect
https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview-greenhouse-gases
https://www.epa.gov/ozone-layer-protection/basic-ozone-layer-science
https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/niacs/carbon/forests/carbon_sequestration/
https://blog.udemy.com/types-of-fossil-fuels/
http://www.ucsusa.org/nuclear-power/nuclear-power-technology/how-nuclear-power-works
http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/renewable-energy/how-geothermal-energy-
works.html
http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/renewable-energy/how-solar-energy-
works.html
http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/renewable-energy/how-wind-energy-
works.html
http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/renewable-energy/how-hydroelectric-
energy.html
https://www.usu.edu/ipe/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Reliability-Geothermal-Full-Report.pdf
https://www.iea.org/topics/renewables/subtopics/geothermal/
http://www.oceanenergycouncil.com/ocean-energy/wave-energy/
Philippine Power Statistics:
https://www.doe.gov.ph/sites/default/files/pdf/energy_statistics/summary_2016_power_statistics_fina
l_march_27_2017.pdf
http://www.ucsusa.org/clean-energy/renewable-energy/public-benefits-of-renewable-power
https://www.doe.gov.ph/pep/philippine-energy-plan-2012-2030
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/geothermal-energy/tech.html
http://www.cof.orst.edu/cof/newfmc/product_examples/forestlearn/watershed/forest_age2.htm
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v530/n7589/full/nature16512.html
http://www.conservation.org/How/Pages/Hotspots.aspx
http://www.rainforestation.ph/whatisrf/rfSpecies.html
http://www.spp.gr/life_prespafish/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=29&Itemid=54&la
ng=en
http://www.iisd.org/topic/sustainable-development
http://www.sustainabilitydegrees.com/what-is-sustainability/
http://info.era-environmental.com/blog/bid/40788/sustainability-management-system-the-triple-
bottom-line
http://www.cop21paris.org/
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/03/02/1677124/duterte-signs-paris-pact-climate-change
https://www.globalreporting.org/Pages/default.aspx
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/mar/21/eat-less-meat-vegetarianism-dangerous-
global-warming
https://www3.epa.gov/carbon-footprint-calculator/
https://www.epa.gov/sustainability/learn-about-sustainability#what
For more information about EDC and EDC’s activities, see its sustainability site, and annual Performance
Report: http://www.energy.com.ph/sustainability/
