Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, New Zealand, and The Philippines
Four countries that rely on fossil fuels are also four countries racing to learn how to utilize more renewable energy than they have done in the past. Each country has the ability to use geothermal, wind, solar, and hydroelectricity power and rely less on oil, coal, and natural gas reserves. Each country has the opportunity to change and there is support for these changes to reduce greenhouse gas production by the middle of the twenty-first century.
Philippines have been switching to more renewable energy than before, while still relying on non-renewable energy sources, such as gas and oil. However, it seems that process is changing. The same people who invested in non-renewable energy sources are now banking on sources such as wind, solar, and wave power generation. The use of non-renewable resources has created smog problems in larger cities, however, switching to more renewable resources may help this problem over time.
Papua New Guinea uses mostly oil and natural gas for the main sources of power. Although it does have hydropower available it does not utilize it as much as it could. However, there are plans to create more hydropower electricity plants, which will boost the nation’s renewable resources. It has ventured into geothermal energy however, that was used to power gold mining operations, not necessarily residential or commercial facilities. Through generous partnerships with outside environmentally aware power companies, it is possible that this country will begin to emerge with outstanding sources of renewable energy for the future.
New Zealand seems to be headed in the right direction for the race for renewable energy sources. Most of its power comes from hydroelectric, geothermal, and wind energy. However, a little less than half of its power still comes from fossil fuels. Hydroelectric power does seem to be the most popular choice for use in residences and business structures. The new trend seems to be heading toward geothermal sources, which could potentially reduce the country’s use of fossil fuels. This is good news for the planet and the country.
Indonesia still uses mostly non-renewable energy and it seems to be one of the largest countries to omit mass amounts of greenhouse gases. Its deforestation practices add to the problem because the trees are not there to clean the air. This is a huge problem since it could triple its greenhouse gases by 2025 if it continues. Although the government says it will reduce the emissions by 25 percent, in the next 4 years, it is not enough. However, environmental impact studies are underway to build a large power plant, fueled by renewable energy. Part of the plan it to use geothermal energy, which will help.
Philippines are working on the use of renewable energy above fossil fuels as part of a strategy sponsored by the government. The country has been using hydropower, which has reduced the use of fossil fuels significantly. Other renewable resources that the country is beginning to use are solar, micro-hydro, wind, and biomass. The citizens prefer cleaner energy over the Smokey coal and other fossil fuels that were previously used.
Although not all four countries have switched over from fossil fuel use, they are all doing well at transitioning. Some are a little slower to change than others, which is understandable given the expensive renewable energy equipment that must be purchased or built.
