Draft 0 Reader response clean energy

Draft 1 Reader response CLEAN ENERGY

In the article, “How can Southeast Asia’s clean energy transition be sped up?” Daubach (2019) observed that Southeast Asia is slow in making progress in adopting clean energy due to challenges such as resources and population distributed unevenly over a large area. The region has vast potential for growth in renewable energy, which implementation can be accelerated by harvesting the renewable energy from abundant green sources. The switch to renewable energy requires a variety of clean technology and it is further challenged by economical obstacles and policies in the region. The article suggests that nuclear technology could provide solution to reduce pollution. In comparison to other regions, Southeast Asia is lagging behind in adapting clean energy even though many of its’ economy are driven by agricultural industry which is vulnerable to climate change. With millions exposed to the perils of climate change, businesses and policymakers in the ASEAN region can work together in this rapidly-expanding region to improve quality of life and combat climate change.

The article mentioned that Southeast is able to reduce carbon emission if it were to adopt green and nuclear technology. It states the disastrous effects of global warming on both the climate and the economy. However, it did not provide information on how clean coal technology could play a key role in the undeveloped parts of the region. Furthermore, it did not address the dangers of nuclear technology and its highly toxic by-waste product.

Based on the article, “Southeast Asia's energy majors pivot sharply to green power” Yohei Muramatsu (2019) pointed out that even though companies are adopting clean energy, it will not end its coal dependency. This is because they have to consider profits while working with clean energy. Furthermore, the availability and cost of coal will be able to meet the energy consumption which is set to rise rapidly over the years. Indonesia also took up measures to lower the cost of coal which encourages business and people to rely on it even further.

In the article “Clean Coal' Technologies, Carbon Capture & Sequestration” (2018), with most parts of the world heavily reliant of coal, it is difficult to totally remove coal as a source of energy. The use of clean coal technology can negate the effects that coal is always linked with, harmful pollutants and carbon emission. Clean coal technology is able to reduce pollutants and emission, thus providing safe and reliable clean energy to the masses.

When it comes combating climate change, nuclear technology seems to be the perfect answer. It can provide large amount of power with little or zero emission. However, there are many potential risks of using nuclear power. The article “The future of nuclear security in Southeast Asia” Noor (2016) notes that Southeast Asia has a prevailing issue in cross border security. This could result in the transfer of nuclear materials into the wrong hands which will endanger the security in the region. There are also cases where nuclear plant accidents have resulted in devastating impacts on the environment and people living around the area.

The use of clean energy does not mean that Southeast Asia should distance itself from coal in pursuit of renewable energy. The countries in Southeast Asia can continue using coal with the aid of technology to combat climate change. While nuclear technology is able to provide clean power to the power hungry nations in the region, the danger of possessing such technology has been shown in the history.

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Daubach (2019, July 19) How can Southeast Asia’s clean energy transition be sped up? . Eco-business Retrieved from https://www.eco-business.com/news/how-can-southeast-asias-clean-energy-transition-be-sped-up/

Yohei (2019,April 15) Southeast Asia's energy majors pivot sharply to green power. NHK Retrieved from https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Environment/Southeast-Asia-s-energy-majors-pivot-sharply-to-green-power2

World-Nuclear (2018,November) 'Clean Coal' Technologies, Carbon Capture & Sequestration. Retrieved from https://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/energy-and-the-environment/clean-coal-technologies.aspx

Noor (2016, Dec 16) Commentary: The future of nuclear security in Southeast Asia. CNA Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/commentary-the-future-of-nuclear-security-in-southeast-asia-7662114https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/commentary-the-future-of-nuclear-security-in-southeast-asia-7662114