A group of anti-coal protesters had a demonstration last week in Subic, a city in my country, the Philippines. This was in response to reports of a coal plant being commissioned by the government to be built in the area. With the rapid economic and infrastructural development going on in urban areas in the Philippines right now, the demand for energy is ever increasing as time passes. Coal has always been one of the traditional sources of energy. It has been in use for more than a few decades now, and have proven to be effective in powering humans? energy needs. However, is it truly efficient? We measure its efficiency not just in terms of energy production, but overall effect on humans.

Coal is one of the dirtiest sources of energy, as its burning is required for the energy to be produced. Massive amounts of soot and dust are released into the air surrounding it and serve as air pollution to nearby areas, whether rural or urban. This can severely affect the health of the populations that reside in these areas. They can cause numerous short and long-term respiratory diseases, and at times, can even lead to death.

The protesters who stood up against the establishment of this new coal plant proposed in the area were justified in doing so, and deserve recognition for standing up to what is right. The government really did not carefully consider their actions in this regard. In our modern age of technology, especially in the past few years, the use of renewable forms of energy has risen. From hydropower, to wind energy, to solar panels, all of these have thrived in terms of technological development as well as increase of users. All these have the potential to power urban areas without causing as much damage to the environment, the area it is in, and the health of the workers and the citizens that may be affected by it. We in the Philippines hope that our government will listen to protesters like these because these projects may have critical [negative] effects on our countrymen.

Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/962857/coal-plant-construction-environment-court-of-appeals-subic-zambales-caap