Genesis Atadero
Have you ever imagined living in a world where Earth remains livable for generations to come? A world where your children, their children, and countless future generations can thrive? Or even just slowing down the process of environmental decline so Earth remains hospitable far longer than current projections suggest?
Perhaps I’m thinking too far ahead. But just imagine—what if there’s something we can do now to turn that vision into reality? However, achieving this would require confronting the corporations that rely heavily on fossil fuels, as well as the investors who fund these destructive practices.
Without the funding and demand from such corporations, reliance on fossil fuels would diminish significantly. Ideally, it would cease altogether. Transitioning away from these energy sources is not just necessary—it’s urgent.
The solar electric vehicle charging station located in the vicinity of the Quezon City Hall is a project of the local government to provide renewable energy on the city’s public transportation Photo: Leo M. Sabangan II
Moving toward renewable energy isn’t just a better option; it’s a safer one for creating a sustainable environment. Renewable energy is often more cost-effective than the materials most corporations currently use. Why? Because renewable resources—sunlight, wind, water, and geothermal heat—are abundant and freely available.
By promoting renewable energy, we pave the way for corporations to switch to cheaper, inexhaustible energy sources. What is renewable energy, anyway? It’s like selling ice—water that exists naturally, transformed into something useful, and then returning to its original form. Similarly, renewable energy takes resources like wind, water, sunlight, and heat from the Earth and converts them into power, over and over again.
Wind turbines harness energy from the wind; hydroelectric power plants convert flowing water into electricity; geothermal heat beneath the Earth’s surface generates energy; and solar panels capture sunlight to power our lives. Unlike fossil fuels, which emit harmful pollutants and degrade our environment, renewable energy is clean and sustainable.
From left to right 350.org Asia ‘s Chuck Baclagon, Genesis Atadero, Quezon City-City Planning Officer II, Mr. Allan De Vera; Electric Vehicle Documentation coordinators Nadia Cruz and Jheny Dabu during an interview at Quezon City Hall on December 20, 2024. Photo: Leo M. Sabangan II
Of course, while the idea sounds simple, the process of transitioning isn’t without challenges. Adopting renewable energy requires changes in how we live, work, and consume energy. These adjustments may seem overwhelming, but they are necessary steps toward a more sustainable future.
If we continue to rely on fossil fuels and coal, we accelerate Earth’s decline. Every delay, every unwillingness to adapt, adds to the harm we’re causing.
Let’s remember: there is no Planet B. While the idea of exploring other planets is fascinating, our priority must be the planet we call home. Earth has nurtured us, provided for us, and enabled us to thrive.
Let’s protect what needs protecting—our Earth—before pursuing dreams of distant worlds. Instead of letting our planet die, let’s invest in innovations and practices that preserve it for all living beings who share this home with us.