PAL set to attain Net Zero Emissions by 2050

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The PH flag carrier taps UN-awarded scientist to help achieve the ambitious goal


Philippine Airlines (PAL) is poised to attain net zero carbon emissions by 2050 in support of international agreements for climate action, including the Paris Agreement and the Glasgow Climate Pact.

The Philippine flag carrier is investing in an all-out carbon reduction program as part of a multi-year commitment to combat the worldwide scourge of climate change. According to United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), GHG emissions from aviation could increase by a factor of two to four times 2015 levels by 2050. Aviation produces around 2% of all global CO2 emissions: 1.3% international and 0.7% domestic.

“Our Net Zero initiative comes at a crucial time for the international aviation industry, which is seeking to further lessen its environmental impact in response to the global scientific community’s clarion call against irreversible climate change,” PAL President & COO Capt. Stanley K. Ng said.

“Being the country’s flag carrier and Asia’s first airline, we recognize that our essential role in bridging our country and the rest of the world goes hand in hand with the need for climate action across international borders,” added Captain Ng.

PAL’s Net Zero goal will be holistic and comprehensive, covering both flight and ground operations. PAL began this process by shifting to renewable energy for the electricity supply of its major offices and working on the potential use of sustainable aviation fuel to power its fleet of high-technology aircraft.

The airline is continually improving its operational efficiency by implementing fuel efficiency initiatives such as Single Engine Taxi In (SETI) and Reduced Acceleration Altitude (RAAL) that help reduce CO2 emissions while adhering to strict safety standards. In the long term, PAL seeks to develop a robust Net Zero Emissions (NZE) strategy and take substantive actions to foster a more earth-friendly aviation environment based on scientific best practices.

To underscore PAL’s commitment to improving its carbon footprint, the country’s premiere airline has tapped the services of U.N.-acclaimed climate scientist and science diplomat Glenn Banaguas to help guide the company’s efforts.

Sci. Dpl. Banaguas is the president and founder of the Environmental and Climate Change Research Institute (ECCRI). In 2010, he spearheaded the institute's flagship program, Climate Smart Philippines: Science for Service, which brings scientific experts and stakeholders together in addressing disasters and preventing losses from climate change and other hazards. For these initiatives, Banaguas received the prestigious global UN Sasakawa Award, the first individual Filipino recipient in the award’s 35-year history. He is the honoree of The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Laureate, which is the Nobel Prize of the Philippines. He is the Chairman of the ASEAN Science Diplomats and the US-ASEAN Fellows for Science and Technology. He is the Climate Diplomat of the EU-Asia Expert Panel for Climate Diplomacy and Environmental Security. He is also the Executive Fellow of the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) and the Lee Kuan Yew Senior Fellow in Public Service.

With Banaguas providing expert guidance, PAL aims to conduct comprehensive assessments of its overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and move towards full decarbonization.

In the long haul, PAL seeks to develop a roadmap for its own Net Zero Emissions (NZE) strategy; develop and integrate emissions scenarios projected until the year 2050 using internationally accepted models and relevant standards, and develop and recommend science- and evidence-based targets as well as gender-based programs for the entire PAL community.

“PAL’s commitment to climate action is a great service to the country and to the world,” Banaguas said. “More than just a rallying call, it is a reminder of our shared responsibility for, and stewardship of, the environment.”



PHOTO CAPTION: PAL President & COO Capt. Stanley K. Ng and UN Sasakawa Laureate Sci. Dpl. Glenn S. Banaguas


PHOTO CREDIT: PAL

Ghosts of WW2: Loss of life and genetic variation in Manila due to war

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The iconic Oblation stands at its original location ca. 1945 in front of the war-torn ruins of what is now UP Manila. Over 100,000 civilians are said to have died in Manila towards the end of World War II, out of a population of 1 million people. (Photo credit: j&b photos/flickr.com)

The ravages of World War II — particularly the destruction of Manila in 1945 — continue to haunt the Philippines even almost a century after they happened, as evidenced through the difficulty in the search for native Manileños.

Since 1996, researchers from the University of the Philippines - Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) Natural Sciences Research Institute’s (NSRI’s) DNA Analysis Laboratory have been surveying the genetic ancestry of Filipinos across the country. More recently, the laboratory’s ambitious Filipino Genomes Research Program (FGRP) has aimed to document and understand the rich diversity of Filipinos’ genetic heritage. The study’s findings, when completed and made available, will have far-reaching implications on many fields, from forensics and medicine to history and anthropology.

But despite the program’s urgency and lofty goals, there is at least one place in the country where genetics and local ancestry have proven to be difficult to document for the most poignant of reasons.



Searching for native Manileños

Partnering and volunteering for the FGRP seems simple enough: to become a representative of a particular Filipino group from a particular Filipino region, you as well as your parents and grandparents on both sides should also be from the same place. Meeting these criteria outside of the National Capital Region (NCR) would be no problem — especially in largely homogeneous ethnic groups, such as those in the Cordilleras and in Mindanao. However, the researchers have found it next to impossible to obtain samples from Metro Manila, despite repeated efforts.

“Nahihirapan talaga kami hanapin silang mga at least third generation na born in Metro Manila, kahit na ikinalat na namin ang aming recruitment sa iba't-ibang LGUs, universities, at maging sa Facebook at Twitter,” said FGRP researcher Noriel Esteban. “Kaya we are now relaxing our inclusion criteria to at least having both parents born in Metro Manila.” Yet even despite these adjustments to the eligibility criteria, Esteban said that out of over 40 potential partner-volunteers from the NCR, only 17 were able to be accepted into the study.

This present dearth likely hints at an ominous past, according to evolutionary geneticist and FGRP Program Leader Frederick Delfin.



Genetic ghosts of lost people

“Such a massive loss of native populations can be due to a natural event, such as a volcanic eruption, or as is most likely in this case, a man-made event such as war,” Delfin explained.

More than one in ten civilians were killed out of a population of just 1 million people in the Battle of Manila towards the end of the Second World War in 1945, based on historical accounts and census data. This decimated the local population, which never completely recovered and is the likely reason for the near absence of native Manileños today.

“Catastrophic events can severely reduce the population size, with locals either killed or forced to leave. This can result in the reduction of genetic diversity in an area. It takes a very long time for local populations to recover, if at all,” Delfin lamented. “In a way, we can think of the lost genetic variation as the ghosts of the people we lost.”



FGRP seeks partner-volunteers

The FGRP is a comprehensive study that emphasizes the informed consent of its participants, especially indigenous peoples. A similar earlier study, published by the University of Uppsala in 2021, was plagued by ethical issues.

With COVID-19 pandemic restrictions easing up, the FGRP’s nationwide sampling is proceeding at a steady pace as the team is focused on acquiring permission from, as well as explaining the project’s objectives and potential impact to, the country’s various indigenous peoples.

To learn more about the FGRP and to inquire about becoming a partner-volunteer, please contact Frederick Delfin at fcdelfin@up.edu.ph. You may also visit their Facebook page for ongoing and future recruitment postings at https://www.facebook.com/DNAForensicAndEthnicity/.

Geyser: A Comprehensive Guide

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Geysers are a great way to save money on your electricity bill. They can help you reduce your overall energy consumption; it's an investment that will pay for itself in no time. A geyser can be a valuable addition to your home if you live in an area with cold winters.

This is a comprehensive guide on geysers. It covers the different types of geysers, their benefits, and how to choose the right one for your home. It also includes information on installation and maintenance.



How to Choose a Geyser

Types of Geysers:

There are two main types of geysers:

Storage

Tankless

Storage geysers have a built-in tank that heats up water and then stores it until you need it. Tankless geysers, on the other hand, heat water on demand.


Size

Geysers are available in a variety of sizes, so you can choose one that's right for your needs. You'll need a larger geyser if you have a large family or live in a warm climate. On the other hand, if you live alone or have a smaller family, a 10-litre geyser will be sufficient.


Features

When shopping for a geyser, be sure to compare features. Some models have additional features, such as a timer, that can save you even more money.


Installation

Anyone can easily install a geyser with some simple instructions. However, if you're not comfortable doing it yourself, you can always hire a professional.


Conclusion

Geysers are a great way to save money and energy. You can find a geyser that perfectly fits your home in various types, sizes, and styles. Be sure to compare features and prices before making your final decision. And once you have your geyser installed, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance.