Air Pollution and Solar Panels

The Earth’s atmosphere, particularly in Metropolitan Areas, is very much polluted with harmful gases and particulates. While I agree that such conditions of the atmosphere are sure sign of progress, I do not, however, agree that it should be that way. We must realize the great danger that might come our way if the continuous pollution of our atmosphere will not stop and the persistent inaction of government leaders to strictly implement environmental laws would prevail.      

One adverse effect of atmospheric or air pollution is the depletion of our ozone layer. We know for a fact that ozone layer is very much important in protecting the earth from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultra violet rays. Scientific studies suggest that the emissions of certain chemical gases, brought by the burning of fossil fuels, are major contributors to the current ozone crisis that we are facing. And so, the call of environmental groups to end the use of fossil fuels or, to a greater extent, minimize it, is a serious proposal that the government must carefully study and consider in its environment-related policies.

Here, in the Philippines, the majority of our energy source, particularly electricity-generation, is from fossil fuel. This means that every time we use our Television sets, Computers and any other appliances run by electricity, we burn fossil fuels and we add up to the damage in our ozone layer. This is very unfortunate for our environment and soon, if not given the proper solution, for us. Beside the established fact that burning of fossil fuels in producing electricity has environmental repercussions; fossil fuels are also considered non-renewable source. Meaning, it is finite and will not renew itself within our lifetimes. Hence, the threat of a power shortage might soon be realized.

Given all these facts about fossil fuels, it is high time that the government should fully implement the provisions of the Renewable Energy (RE) Act of 2008 so as to give the citizenry the option to use renewable and environment-friendly sources of energy. Examples of Renewable Energy are wind energy, geothermal energy, hydrothermal energy and solar energy. Generally speaking, switching to renewable source of energy is like hitting two birds in one stone; that is, reducing our gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels and avoiding the episode of a power shortage.

Schools and Solar Panels

Becoming popular now-a-days, is the use of solar panels to convert solar energy into electricity. Many households and small commercial establishments are already using this technology to generate their own electricity. This led me to the idea that our Schools, here in the Philippines, must also follow suit in using solar panels. It might look expensive at first, but in the long run, it will give our Schools more savings which they can use to fund the construction of more classrooms, hiring of more teachers, procurement of books and the likes. Aside from the financial and environmental benefits, the use of Solar Panels can also provide energy security in our Schools. This is due to the certainty that the Sun, the source of Solar Energy, will rise every single day; and the fact that no one, not even the richest businessman, can monopolize the Sun.    

It is envious to note, that in some countries, like the United Kingdom, their government are pushing social institutions, like Schools, to switch to Solar Energy and other Renewable Sources of Energy in exchange of an incentive or subsidy. In cases where the Schools are not capable to buy Solar Panels, various non-governmental organizations in their country are extending help through the “crowdfunding” scheme. These collaborative efforts in protecting the environment, both by the UK Government and its People, are truly outstanding and admirable. It is something that we, in the Philippines, should consider to implement.