DOST Secretary General Renato U. Solidum Jr. highlighted the potential of nuclear technology to address climate change concerns during the launch of the 51st Atomic Energy Week (AEW) on December 4.
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“Climate change is a problem that we all need to address. We are going to be victims of global warming, so we need to act, and nuclear technology will play a critical role in addressing our concerns about that,” Solidum said.
He stressed that while the Philippines may not be a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, the country will still be affected by pollution and the resulting health.
“protection , will also benefit from the use of nuclear technology. Although the Philippines is not a major emitter of greenhouse gases, we need to address air pollution from a medical perspective, not just from a climate change perspective. This is because we will not only be affected by rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns, but also by air pollution” he said.
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The DOST chief further emphasized the importance of nuclear science and studies in the development of alternative energy sources, particularly in the form of nuclear power – where this clean energy source can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“Nuclear technology can also be used to develop new crop varieties that are heat and require less water, ensuring food security even in a changing climate,” Solidum added.
Beyond its applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry, Solidum also sees the renewed emphasis on nuclear energy as a new opportunity for the Philippine Institute of Nuclear Research.
DOST added these aspects, including training in nuclear technology as a potential source of energy for economic development, while also ensuring its safe and responsible use.
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“That is why the country’s science department has full support for the efforts of the Multi-Agency Nuclear Energy Program Committee, as well as the establishment of a unified, independent regulatory body for ionizing radiation through the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act bill pending in Congress,” said Mr. Solidum.
