For over 100 years, human society’s development has been relying on fossil fuels and other non-renewable sources. It is cheap to find and easily processed for consumption. It has been a cornerstone of the modernization of human civilization all over the world.
We are no different. The major communities in the Cordillera heavily rely on fossil fuels to generate power/electricity to keep the gears of everyday life turning. From the water pumps that supply water, the vehicles that transport us and our needs, to the lights and sounds of cities tap from a supply system of electricity that is mainly supplied by coal and other fossil fuels.
Unfortunately, this heavy reliance on non-renewable sources and fossil fuels has had major negative effects on the environment and to an extent, the health of the residents of the region. The smoke produced from vehicles and power plants have polluted the air to an extent that it produces a blanket of smog several days in a month. Additionally, this pollution is causing respiratory issues to some of the residents of major population centers in the region.
Furthermore, the process of extracting of oil and coal from mines damages the environment and its fragile ecosystem. The operation of refineries and processing plants of oil and coal create wastes which are sometimes toxic without proper due process.
In the past, due to the unpolluted and undamaged environment, the effects may have been negligible. But with accumulated effect of years of continuous annual pollution, the impact is starting to become more profound and noticeable.
Progress is not bad, but the short-sighted planning of using environmentally damaging ways to achieve it is negligence. To sustain progress, we need to change our ways and foresight to a more sustainable eco-friendly mode of producing energy to power our needs. Electric vehicles, solar power, hydropower, efficient and clean fuels; all these must be envisioned as a part of a Cordillera that is modern yet still manages to preserve its beautiful mountain ranges and forests.
By Jesus Essa L. Calacala III