Philippines' Cusi: No 'one-size-fits-all' solution to climate change

Philippines' Cusi: No 'one-size-fits-all' solution to climate change

In an article published at the South China Morning Post last March 22, Cusi
wrote that there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to tackling climate
change.

"Energy is a necessity for growth," he wrote. "The UN lists access to
reliable, affordable power among its 17 sustainable development goals. In
Asia, where one in seven people lack access to basic electricity, the
balance between promoting socioeconomic growth and combating climate change
is an extremely fine one for governments. States like the Philippines must
therefore strike a balance."

The energy chief acknowledged that while the cost of renewable energy
sources is falling, they are still more expensive than conventional energy
sources. This may not be an issue for wealthy countries but it is a struggle
for developing nations, he pointed out.

Moreover, he said, renewable sources of energy are relatively unreliable,
which would impede progress and turn off potential investors.

"While we are by no means turning our backs on renewable energy, a
technology-neutral approach will be required if the Philippines is to find
this balance," Cusi wrote.

Being technology-neutral means that the country should not be constrained by
rigid or arbitrary targets in sourcing energy, he said, adding that the
Philippines must consider both conventional and non-conventional sources.

He proposed to take action to make conventional energy sources more
sustainable, for instance by refurbishing old coal power plants to increase
fuel efficiency.

Cusi expressed his belief that phasing out old and inefficient generation
facilities and promoting critical coal-fired plants would enable developing
nations "to reduce their impact on the environment, providing alternative
short- to medium-term solutions to prohibitively costly new energy sources
that are more suited for long-term scenarios".

"Ultimately, amid the uncertainty over the Paris Agreement and concerns
about the financing of new renewable projects, there is an opportunity for
developing countries to carve out their own climate strategy and take the
lead action on climate change," Cusi said in the article.

In closing, he noted that while it has an obligation to combat climate
change, the country has a particular responsibility to its people.

"To reduce fuel poverty and encourage investment, while allowing further
economic growth, we must prioritize reliable and affordable power. Rather
than treating renewable energy as some sort of totem, the global focus
should be on targeting any and all sources of emissions reduction," he said.

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Link to Original Article:
http://www.manilatimes.net/cusi-no-one-size-fits-solution-climate-change/319
072/

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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com