FILE PHOTO: The wind farm in Bangui town is a picture-perfect backdrop for tourists. – The renewable energy shift plan of the Philippines must be expedited, a group of environment advocates urged the government. The Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) said the coal barges that ran aground in Zambales and capsized off Sorsogon should serve as “a terrible yet stark reminder that fossil fuel projects are dirty, deadly, and costly.” PHOTO BY ALEXIS CORPUZ
MANILA, Philippines — The renewable energy shift plan of the Philippines must be expedited, a group of environment advocates urged the government.
The Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) said the coal barges that ran aground in Zambales and capsized off Sorsogon should serve as “a terrible yet stark reminder that fossil fuel projects are dirty, deadly, and costly.”
Article continues after this advertisementDuring the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (International name: Trami), a barge carrying more than 11,000 metric tons of coal ran aground at Masinloc Bay in Zambales while another coal barge flipped off Sorsogon City.
FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO Marce further intensifies; Signal No. 4 seen as highest wind signal NEWSINFO Marce may trigger onset of amihan season, says Pagasa NEWSINFO Marce seen to reach typhoon category Nov 5, says PagasaCEED Executive Director Gerry Arances said in a statement on Monday that “in more ways than one,” accidents involving coal could bring about “worse climate disasters” and “directly [pollute] the environments and communities that host them.”
He added, “Coal and other fossil fuels are not only a major contributor to climate change, they also pose significant threats to our communities and environment.”
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: Renewable energy in PH still below global average
Article continues after this advertisementAccording to CEED, coal spills in Zambales and Sorsogon pose environmental damage and threaten the livelihood of fisherfolk in the areas.
Article continues after this advertisementThe group reported that a coastal community in Barangay Bucalbucalan in Sorsogon raised the alarm over a “darkening of the coast due to the alleged soaking of the barge’s coal.”
It then recalled the 2023 oil spill involving MT Princess Empress, which was carrying 800,000 liters of fuel when it sank near Oriental Mindoro.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: Oil spill reaches Verde Island Passage
“Renewable energy is more economical and reliable than coal, but it also represents a necessary step toward a sustainable future,” Arances said.
“Increasing restrictions against toxic pollution and ensuring that fisherfolk and coastal communities are empowered to be at the forefront of managing and protecting their marine and coastal environments should be the way forward,” he added.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
The government crafted the Philippine Energy Plan’s Clean Energy Scenario that aims to set renewable energy sources at 35 percent in the country’s power mix by 2030una game, and 50 percent by 2040.
READ NEXT Renewable energy shift of PH must be expedited – group Magnitude 5.1 earthquake jolts Aurora town; aftershocks expected EDITORS' PICK Maymay Entrata declares she’s ‘married’ to herself, thankful for Grammys visit LIVE UPDATES: 2024 US presidential election Fil-ams target of information manipulation in us polls Countdown to Christmas: The best Advent calendars to spark your holiday spirit Marcos ditches talk on Duterte, focuses on storm victims Max Verstappen nears 4th straight F1 title after winning Brazilian GP MOST READ Maiqui Pineda belies claims she only has months to live Navy sailor who lost thumb in WPS attack gets it back Marce seen to reach typhoon category Nov 5, says Pagasa Escudero to LTO: Name SUV owner with ‘7’ plate Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments