According to Daubach (2019), it is not recommended for Southeast Asia to transit to clean energy using a standardized approach. Instead, a region-catered solution is advised. It is not feasible for Singapore to rely on solar or wind energy due to limited land, while depending on hydrogen usage is not cost efficient. The article states that nuclear fusion seems to be ideal for Singapore however, it is not energy efficient. Energy usage has to be considered as it contributes greatly in achieving “climate neutrality.” The article also states that Southeast Asia is the furthest in the clean energy race despite being the most affected by climate change which leaves huge room for improvement. With coal being a huge obstacle, not only is innovation needed, technology, business and policymakers also need to work closer together. Building more energy infrastructure will be advantageous in transiting towards clean energy following the drastic economic growth as well. Therefore, it is with strong belief that I say Southeast Asia is in dire need of clean energy transition, as it's over dependence on coal is harmful and transiting to clean energy good on the environment and the economy.
Firstly, relying on coal is not desirable as coal causes a lot of harm. According to Apanada (2020), before COVID-19 struck Southeast Asia was experiencing huge economic growth, with the demand for energy increasing at “an average of 6% per year.” But the article also states that over half of that demand in Indonesia and Philippines was being met via the burning of fossil fuels. According to Marlin (2021), not only does coal mining require mass deforestation, the act of which is also highly dangerous for the miners. And that is only the harm of mining coal, the harm that burning coal to generate energy not only ranges from polluting the air and water, but also contribute greatly to climate change and global warming.
Secondly Apanada (2020) also states that not only will transiting over to clean energy help ensure Southeast Asia future economic growth, it will also provide more jobs while making the world a better place to live in as doing so will not only improve public health but it will also address the big issue of climate change. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (n.d.), supports the claim by Apanada (2020) as it states that renewable energy sources not only produce no greenhouse gases but it can also help reduce “some types of air pollution” and developing clean energy will also add variety to the supply of energy sources to help reduce the dependance of imported energy.
Reference List
Apanada, M. J. (2020) Clean Energy Can Help Southeast Asia Recover After COVID-19. Retrieved from https://www.wri.org/insights/clean-energy-can-help-southeast-asia-recover-after-covid-19
Daubach, T. (2019). How can Southeast Asia's Clean Energy Transition be sped up? Retrieved from https://www.eco-business.com/news/how-can-southeast-asias-clean-energy-transition-be-sped-up/
Mamat, R., Sani, M. S. M., & Sudhakar, K. J. S. O. T. T. E. (2019). Renewable energy in Southeast Asia: Policies and recommendations. Science of the total environment, 670, 1095-1102. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969719312653
Marlin, L. (2021). Disadvantages of Coal: 10 Reasons Why Coal is Terrible for the Environment. Retrieved from https://greencoast.org/disadvantages-of-coal/
United States Environmental Protection Agency (n.d.). Local Renewable Energy Benefits and Resources. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/statelocalenergy/local-renewable-energy-benefits-and-resources
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