PH, Europe allies united by goal for ‘low carbon future’—Gatchalian

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian. PHOTO FROM SENATE’S FACEBOOK PAGE

Amid strained relations due to past controversies, Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian said that the common aim of promoting sustainable energy development and environmental responsibility will build stronger ties between the country and its European allies.

“The Philippines and its European allies are united by a common vision for a ‘low carbon future.’ Despite disagreements on other issues from time to time, I am confident that our governments will continue to work together on research and development initiatives which will help bring this noble vision to life,” Gatchalian said in a statement on Thursday.

The senator recently conducted a two-week visit to Germany and France to study renewable energy and climate change policies.

Gatchalian explained that the European nations’ aggressive push to switch from fossil fuels and nuclear power to renewable energy sources is encouraging investments which “will precipitate faster technological developments, which would in turn reduce power costs sooner rather than later.”

“Maintaining strong ties with European nations will encourage knowledge and technology transfers from Europe to the Philippines during the renewable energy revolution currently happening over there. These transfers will help the Philippine energy players produce clean energy at much more affordable prices in the long term,” the senator said.

Gatchalian, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Energy, emphasized that, “as a developing nation with an industrializing economy, the Philippines should adopt a balanced approach in crafting its energy mix.”

“The key is to find the energy mix which will provide the fuel needed to drive inclusive economic growth, while at the same ensuring that the Philippines will be able to uphold its international obligations in reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” he added. Airei Kim Guanga, INQUIRER.net trainee/JE