PRESS RELEASE | February 27, 2024
In response to a recent post by the Department of Energy on its official Facebook page announcing the bidding for coal and petroleum exploration in different parts of the country, environmental NGO BAN Toxics is voicing its call to stay away from coal.
The burning of coal, natural gas, and oil for electricity and heat is the largest source of global greenhouse gas emissions (US EPA, 2024). During the World Economic Forum in January 2022, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for the phase-out of coal as a key climate priority, in accordance with the objectives of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Aside from being a source of greenhouse gas emissions, about 21% of global mercury emissions come from coal combustion (UN Environment, 2019). In 2020, the Philippines ratified the Minamata Convention, a global treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions of mercury and mercury compounds.
While the Convention itself does not specifically call for the phasing out of coal, it has recommended reducing its use.
“While the global development community has been advocating for the phase-out of coal for years now, it is alarming that our government through the Department of Energy is still pushing for coal and petroleum exploration in 2024. Coal-based power plants are considered a primary source of GHG emissions and continue to be a point source of mercury emissions to the atmosphere. It is time that the government prioritizes alternatives that do not negatively impact human health and the environment,” Jam Lorenzo, BAN Toxics Policy and Research Officer, states.
BAN Toxics is a non-government, non-profit, environmental organization that strongly supports the protection of the environment and advocates for an environmentally sustainable future through the promotion of sound chemicals and waste management practices. It is committed to the advancement of environmental justice and children’s health. Recognized as a leading authority in matters related to the management of mercury, mercury compounds, and mercury- added products, BAN Toxics has greatly contributed through impactful research and policy reforms in this field.
References:
https://www.epa.gov/
https://unfccc.int/news/un-
https://www.unep.org/