Fueling Change: Renewable Energy, Climate Advocacy, and Coffee Conversations at RENDER's Kapehan Session
Fueling Change: Renewable Energy, Climate Advocacy, and Coffee Conversations at RENDER's Kapehan Session
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Sabrina Arambulo - February 14, 2024
Dr. Yap was president of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies and Senior Technical Advisor to the ASEP CELLs project which was conducted under the auspices of the European Union and the Ateneo School of Government and the Manila Observatory. He is currently a Senior Research Fellow at ASoG.
Last January 20, RENDER held a “Kapehan” session, an engagement platform where members of the scientific, policy, and art communities come together for a casual coffee session integrated with intellectually stimulating academic discussions. Focused on the critical issues of climate mitigation, the conversations revolve around the transformative power of renewable energy and ecology. This forum serves as a meeting ground for like-minded individuals to delve into complex ideas, exchange perspectives, and collaborate to formulate viable problem-solving strategies.
The gathering kicked off on a positive tone as students and associates from Ateneo de Manila University convened at the Manila Observatory for the Kapehan event. Following warm introductions, Tonichi Regalado , the Director of RENDER, initiated engaging discussions by addressing the question, "Where do we stand post-COP 28?" — he talked about Philippine commitments to clean energy and climate change, connecting the vision and initiatives of RENDER.
Taking a closer look at the Philippine energy transition, he discussed the Climate Change Act of 2009 and the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 and the gaps in the existing policies. This discussion was transitioned to the global goal to triple renewable energy capacity as pledged in COP 28, and this pledge reminds us of the Philippines’ capability of more than tripling the use of renewable energy. Regalado underscored the importance of acknowledging climate change, as it can have differential socioeconomic impacts on underprivileged populations and vulnerable groups - stressing the inequities and vulnerabilities have to be addressed head-on through long-term mitigation and adaptation strategies that are not maladaptive.
Presenting on the topic of climate-friendly energy transition, Dr. Yap focused on the country’s energy landscape and its potential for renewable energy development. The discussion highlighted three major issues related to friendly energy transition:
1) The country’s historical infrastructure and investment patterns,
2) The challenges of achieving a successful energy transition while navigating the energy trilemma, and
3) The importance of international cooperation in energy transition.
The idea of the energy trilemma was a popular point of discussion amongst the plenary. The trilemma involves balancing energy security, energy equity, and environmental sustainability. Dr. Yap amused participants by explaining the terms in the likeness of a person possessing a well-rounded nature of being Maganda, Matalino, and Mabait (Beautiful, Smart, and Kind). Just as individuals may possess varying degrees of these qualities, the trilemma involves balancing the three fundamental aspects mentioned above (energy security, energy equity, and environmental sustainability). Similar to how one may prioritize one quality over another in personal traits, energy policies may emphasize one aspect of the trilemma more than the others, resulting in imperfections and trade-offs. This dynamic was highlighted during the plenary discussion, where participants addressed concerns such as job displacement in the transition process. Dr. Yap responded to this by emphasizing the importance of training and developing cognitive skills, underscoring the complexities inherent in addressing the energy trilemma.
On the normative role of financial institutions towards funding and investments, Dr. Yap pointed out two ideas: greening finance and financing green. The former pertains to funding more projects emitting less carbon, while the latter is about investing more money into renewable energy projects. Asked about an additional factor that can make an energy quadrilemma, Dr. Yap said that it would be the consideration of just transition or technology.
Dr. Yap’s presentation, in retrospect, was a call for the Philippines to capitalize on the global trend of energy transition to address its own energy crisis and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The potential impact of the energy transition on energy security and the constraints at the domestic level emphasizes the importance of policy responses and programs to support lower carbon emissions.
Additionally, he highlighted the significance of international collaboration, particularly on US-China relations, and their impact on global energy transition efforts. He points out that cooperation between the two countries is sorely needed in areas such as trade, supply chains, and technology to ensure that bilateral tensions do not irreparably harm the ability to reduce emissions in either country and the world. However, there are positive developments in this regard, citing the Sunnylands statement, the agreement between the United States and China to back a new global renewables target, and working together on methane and plastic pollution. This agreement is seen as a potential sign that issues on energy transition and climate change can be isolated regarding bilateral relations between the two countries in November 2023.
Not all serious discussions were planned for the day. In line with the nature of the “Kapehan,” RENDER’s event partner, Sherlock Coffee, provided delightful coffee and refreshments throughout the day for invited participants.
Whilst participants enjoyed discussions over coffee, Bernardine de Belen, Research Assistant of the Klima Center of the Manila Observatory, delivered a poignant poem that delved into the challenges faced by local farmers due to the impacts of climate change. Joining the poem reading was Anjanette Cayabyab, also a Research Assistant at the Klima Center, who recited Selina Nwulu’s “We Have Everything We Need,” a piece providing a contemporary and futuristic perspective on a world grappling with the repercussions of climate change and environmental degradation.
Concluding the event, Atty. Antonio La Viña, the head of the Klima Center and MO’s Associate Director for Climate Policy and International Relations, delivered closing remarks expressing gratitude to the youth for their dedicated efforts in addressing contemporary climate challenges. He emphasized the significance of perseverance in the realm of climate work, highlighting its gradual nature where transformations unfold over the years. Lastly, he urged the audience to arm themselves with the requisite knowledge, skills, and perspectives essential for the demanding and crucial battle for climate justice.
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