solar system philippines Archives - Page 7 of 11 - Solar Panels Philippines

3 Easy Hacks for Boosting Solar Cell Efficiency

3 Easy Hacks on Boosting Solar Cell Efficiency

How can solar cell efficiency be improved?

Invest on a quality solar panel.
Make sure the panels get enough sun exposure.
Orient the solar arrays in the direction and angle that it can receive sunlight better.

Common solar cell efficiency may vary from around 10% to 20%. More and more people are installing solar panel system in order to minimize their electricity bills. A common concern is whether the price of a solar panel in the Philippines affects its efficiency.

So, how do you make sure that your affordable solar panels are working efficiently, and are producing maximum output to meet your needs? Here’s a few hacks to help you achieve that.

Make sure you’re investing on a quality solar panel.

Similar to buying the best meat for your family dinner, purchasing a panel for your solar PV system needs a bit of canvassing. A lot of research and thought needs to be put into it before deciding first, whether a solar panel system is right for you, and second, which is the best one. You can start by asking those in your network who already have solar panels installed. You can also browse the internet to find a ton of information on which particular panels are high-quality yet affordable.

Most solar panels today are made of silicon. This information can help you narrow down your options, and get directly to the types of silicon solar panels. There’s crystalline, monocrystalline, and polycrystalline – they differ on how silicon is used, its purity, and of course, the price.

For some, monocrystalline solar panels are better than polycrystalline as it is more heat tolerant and has a higher efficiency level especially in the tropics.

Beware of shades

Sun exposure plays a huge role to your solar panel’s efficiency and output. Because efficiency refers to the total percentage of the sun’s energy that solar cells accumulates to convert into electricity, it obviously relies on direct sunlight. Output, on the other hand, is the electricity that the solar array generates from the sunlight. The lesser the sun exposure, the lower the efficiency level.

This is particularly important in solar cells that are connected in a series. This is because when a single cell is shaded, it can decrease the output of its neighboring cells in the series.

In order to prevent such situation, make sure you install your solar PV system in a spot where absolutely nothing will block the sun rays.

Direction and angles matter.

When installing solar PV systems, it’s important to take the direction and angles of the panels into account as this can affect the efficiency of the arrays. If you get to orient the panels in the right direction and angle, there’s no more need to worry anymore about the sunlight that it receives in a day.

Additionally, the position and location of your home matters to the alignment of your solar system. Expert solar installers will know how to mount your solar arrays, hence, make sure to purchase your solar panels from a quality company that offers the instalment of the unit.

Key Takeaway

Increasing efficiency ensures that you get the maximum output from your solar PV system. Through these simple ways, not only can you make sure that your solar arrays are efficient enough to produce more than enough energy for your household needs, but that they can also be relied on for a longer time.

Myth vs. Fact: Questions on Solar Energy Answered

When it comes to renewable energy, one of the most popular options over the years has been solar energy. Solar energy has become one of the most reliable and efficient power sources in various countries across the world. In fact, some of these countries have seen a good percentage of their power come from solar energy, which has been proven to power up significant segments of cities and towns. Recently, countries have been achieving numerous milestones when it comes to the usage of renewable energy, which has proven its worth.

However, despite the many benefits of using solar energy, some people still have their doubts. With most of the world inclined with using conventional power sources for the longest time, some feel that renewable energy sources would not be able to produce the same amount of power as they did.

Given this along with other renewable and solar energy facts has made pushing the idea challenging. While the opinion on renewable energy has improved, there are still some groups and media outlets that spread numerous myths and misconceptions. To address these myths, here are some answers with regards to the many solar energy myths.

Myth #1: Solar energy cannot be used during the night

Perhaps the most common misconception of all, since solar energy harnesses energy from sunlight, many people believed that it would not be able to supply power during night time. This becomes one of the main reasons why people are hesitant with using solar power.

FACT: Despite what most people believe, solar energy does work during the night. While they may no longer be able to receive sunlight for energy, many solar devices have enough energy in store for them to be able to supply energy during the night.

Myth #2: Solar panels are expensive

Another reason why people are hesitant when it comes to investing in solar energy is that of the perceived high costs.

FACT: While this may have been true during the early years of solar energy development, the costs have decreased by a significant margin over the past few years. There a good number of reasons why the prices of solar panels have gone down, and these include the increased demand from various sectors along with the reduced costs of manufacturing it. Additionally, compared to other forms of renewable energy, solar energy is the most convenient and accessible.

Myth #3: Solar energy is not efficient in reducing pollution

The goal of all kinds of renewable energy is to provide the same amount of energy that conventional power sources can give, while also being more environmentally friendly and clean.

FACT: As a response to this, solar energy greatly reduces the amount of pollution for they emit smaller amounts of greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels.

Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources barely have any emissions and these emissions do not cause the same amount of environmental damage that fossil fuels bring. With the rest of the world aiming to prevent further damage to the environment, using solar energy is one of the best solutions.

Myth #4: Solar panels work better in hotter climates

Given that solar panels get their energy from the sun, it is an energy source that can be used by the world’s tropical countries. Due to the fact that they get more sunlight compared to most countries, it is assumed that solar energy will work better in tropical countries.

FACT: While there are a good number of tropical countries that use solar power, higher temperatures actually lower the efficiency of solar panels. Photovoltaic solar panels make use of the sunlight to get energy, not the heat.

Myth #5: Solar panels do not work well in colder climates

Since solar energy is generated from sunlight, it is assumed that solar panels would not work as well in colder countries. While this may seem the case, due to the lesser amount of sunlight exposure that these countries get, this is not the case.

FACT: In fact, countries that have colder climates make solar panels more efficient. This is due to the fact that colder temperatures increase the conductivity of solar panels, which make them perform better. If you have a set of solar panels during a cold and sunny day, then you are ensured that you would be able to get the best out of your solar panels.

Myth #6: Solar panels need constant maintenance

Since solar panels are a relatively new piece of technology, people assume that they are more fragile and harder to maintain compared to conventional power sources. Despite these assumptions, they are not as fragile as they seem to be.

FACT: Solar panels are actually more durable than they look. Due to the fact that they are installed outdoors, it is expected that they are exposed to the elements. With this in mind, solar panels were made to be weatherproof, which enables them to work even during the most extreme conditions. For maintenance concerns, it is recommended that you have your panels checked annually for any issues and concerns.

Myth #7: Solar panels can damage my roof

Since solar panels are required to cover up a good portion of your roof, people are concerned that the installation of solar panels may cause damage and fatigue to the roofs of houses. This damage to any structure can cause numerous inconveniences to the people residing in it.

FACT: Contrary to these beliefs, solar panels can actually help in preserving and protecting your roof. This can help protect your roof from the elements and make it last longer. People who install these solar panels are also trained professionals, who know how to properly place and angle these solar panels to become more efficient. Of course, it is important to make sure that the roof in which the panels would be installed are damage-free to prevent further concerns.

Myth #8: Solar panels require tracking systems so that they follow the angle of the sun

Solar panels work best when they are angled in a way that they receive the highest amount of sunlight. Since the sun moves constantly during the day, tracking devices are required to help them readjust.

FACT: While it is true that the angles of a solar panel need to be adjusted accordingly, it is not required that you constantly readjust your solar panels. Solar panels are already adjusted to receive the most amount of sunlight that they can in the position that they are in, so constant shifting may lead to times of the day where you would not receive enough energy.

Key Takeaway

Solar energy is the most popular form of renewable energy available, which leads to so many questions about its durability and reliability. Luckily, today’s set of solar panels is durable, reliable, and efficient enough to address your power needs. If you are looking to install some solar panels in your home, you are making a good investment that would benefit you and the environment.

Bask in Rays: Why Getting Some Sunlight Is Good for You

What are the benefits of sunlight to your body?

Getting Vitamin D – Sunlight gives vitamin D to the body, which improves bone health, blood pressure, and increase brain activity.
Gives you energy – Going out in the sun normalizes your sleep schedule and gives your body an energy boost.
Improves fertility – Men receive increased testosterone levels, while women are more fertile during summer seasons.
Curing Depression – Getting sunlight boost your mood, and makes surethat you do not get SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

More and more people are learning about the benefits of using solar power in the business or even at home. And with solar panel prices in the Philippines becoming more affordable, it would not be surprising to see it commonplace in the near future.

It’s not just technology that can get energy from the sun. We could benefit from basking in a some sunrays too! Here are some reasons why getting some sunlight is good for your body.

Getting some Vitamin D

Solar panels harness energy from the sun to produce electricity. The human skin, meanwhile, gets a nice dose of vitamins with just enough sunlight. Getting the right amount of sunlight give your body Vitamin D, which is an essential element in your body’s nutrition. Vitamin D provides several health benefits, including bone health, lowering blood pressure, and increasing brain activity. Getting some vitamin D also lowers the risk of getting diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
body.

Gives you energy

Other than getting a healthy dose of vitamins, getting sunlight also energizes your body. Melatonin is the hormone in your body that regulates your sleep cycle. Getting sunlight signals the brain and the pineal gland to stop the production of melatonin. This will normalize a person’s sleep cycle, while also giving them a nice energy boost during the day. With this in mind, going out to get some sun on your work or school break gives your body that needed energy boost to get you through the rest of the day.
body.

Improves fertility

Melatonin is not only a hormone that regulates the body’s sleep cycle, but it also boosts fertility. Getting sunlight is helps increase the overall length of being fertile by a number of years. For the males, sun exposure boosts testosterone levels. This is one of the reasons why the summer season is a great time to start a family.

Mood Lifter

Not getting enough sunlight can cause your body to have SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD is a form of depression caused by the lack of sunlight, and is very common for people who work long hours inside an office with no natural light. If you notice you’ve been feeling down and sluggish lately, try going outside during the day to give your body a healthy dose of serotonin, a hormone that lifts up your mood.

Even with all the benefits above, it is important to protect your skin when going out for long periods of time. Applying sunscreen on your skin protects you from UV rays which can harm your skin. The best times to go out and get sunlight without risking skin cancer are during the early hours of the morning.

Just like how solar energy can power a home or business, sunlight gives a good amount of benefits to your body. Normalizing your sleep schedule, getting an energy boost, increased fertility, and boosting your overall mood… the benefits make it really worth it to get out and get sunlight every now and then. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Proudly Pinoy: Solar Cars in the Philippines

What are examples of solar vehicles in the Philippines?

De La Salle Solar Car Project – The De La Salle University created the first solar car in the country, and is continuously undergoing development
Bangkarwayan – The uncanny creation of a university Professor is a solar car that, in theory, can traverse land and water

It might not be apparent, but there has been a gradual increase in the number of active solar panels in the Philippines. In addition to solar power becoming an increasingly popular energy providing alternative in the country, there are also several other solar projects that have come to form.

One of the more well-known projects has to do with making vehicles that are powered by solar energy. Some of these sustainable projects have gained recognition and praise internationally. Here are two of the most well-known solar vehicles that are proudly pinoy.

De La Salle Solar Car Project

Since 2007, the De La Salle University has had 3 solar car projects (with a fourth one coming in 2017). These cars were made by students and faculty from the university’s mechanical engineering department. The first solar car of the university SINAG (a Filipino word which means “sun rays”), introduced in 2007. It was the first of its kind in the Philippines, and represented our country at the World Solar Challenge in Australia in the same year. They landed 12^th place out of 40 competitors. The competition pits various solar cars across the world against each other in a grueling 3,000km course which aims to push the vehicles performance to the maximum.

The second project, named Sikat (“sunrise”), was completed in 2009. It was used in promoting the country’s bid to host the World Solar Challenge, but it did not compete. The 3^rd project, named Sikat II, was completed in 2013. It competed in that year’s edition of the World Solar Challenge in Australia, where it placed 3^rd in the Adventure class. With the success of these solar car projects, the university aims to create a 4^th project, which may compete internationally again.

The Bangkarwayan

Perhaps one of the most unorthodox vehicles to be ever created, the Bangkarwayan is a solar powered vehicle created and owned by UP Professor Benjamin Mangubat. The car was made out of indigenous materials like rattan and bamboo, and had a dark brown color scheme to make it look more “retro”. It harnesses power from the solar panels installed on the roof. The unusual car was made to be able to navigate on land and water, due to the flotation devices and boat propeller attached to the vehicle. It took six years for Mangubat to complete the vehicle, which has now become of the more popular sights in Manila.

While solar power continues to become more abundant and popular in the country, more companies would look into the possibility of producing solar-powered vehicles like cars, tricycles, buses, and trains in the near future. With more solar-powered vehicles roaming around in the country, it is possible to see a clean future where the use of renewable energy would be the norm. Do you see yourself driving or riding a solar-powered vehicle in the future?

Paving the Way: 5 of the Most Solar-Friendly Countries

Which countries in the world are the most solar-friendly?

Germany – The current leader in solar power usage, Germany has over 30GW worth of solar power used to power up most of the country.
Italy – The country has seen a rise in solar power usage after years of using imported natural gases.
China – The largest solar panel producer in the world has increased their solar power usage over the years.
United States – With a number of businesses and government projects using solar energy, the United States aims to increase their usage in the upcoming years.
Japan – Once the world leader in solar energy, the country aims to develop more solar panels after disaster devastated their nuclear program.

The prices of solar panels in the Philippines are becoming more and more affordable, making a transition to using renewable energy a more variable option with every day that passes. With the ability to convert the sun’s rays to electricity, solar energy is being now being seen as a major energy resource around the globe.

While a lot of countries are just scratching the surface on the use of solar power, these countries listed below have been paving the way when it comes to integrating solar energy into their respective power supplies.

Germany

Germany has become the world leader in solar power usage. In terms of total usage, Germany has over 30 gigawatts of installed solar capacity. In May 2017, Germany was able to generate 85 percent of its power from renewable energy sources such as wind, biomass, hydroelectric power, and solar energy. This was made possible by the country’s commitment to turning renewable energy as their primary energy source. Non-renewable energy sources such as coal and nuclear energy are slowly being phased out, with the intention of completely shutting them down.

Italy

Being a country with no fossil fuel resources, Italy has steadily increased their solar energy usage over the past few years. This is a practical choice after years of relying on imported natural gas as a major power source. The government of Italy has also implemented various incentive schemes to further encourage the development and use of renewable energy.

China

The country with the largest population in the world is also one of the countries that has seen steady growth in the number of solar power installations in the past few years. The increase of solar panel installations can be attributed to their low cost and availability in the country. Being the largest producer of solar panels in the world, China aims to increase their renewable energy supply in the near future.

United States

Granted, the United States has been the world leader in the usage in non-renewable energy. However, the powerful country has reached a number of solar power milestones and an increase of renewable energy usage. Various companies, along with the government, have transitioned to installing and relying on solar panels. With the number of solar panel projects increasing in the country, the United States aims to catch up and become one of the biggest users of this sustainable energy.

Japan

Japan was the first country in the world to reach 1 GW, and became one of the leaders in solar power during the 90s and the early 2000s. This slowed down for several years due to the expansion of nuclear power. In 2012, Japan renewed their focus on solar energy plants after the devastating 2011 earthquake caused damage to their nuclear power plants. Once a world leader, Japan looks to become one again in the future.

Key Takeaway

With many of the world’s most powerful countries turning to the use of renewable energy, the practice is slowly making its way to other countries. For third-world countries like the Philippines, solar power is at its early stages but has the potential to grow at a steady rate. Have you made the transition yet?

Introduction to Solar 101 and 202 Installer Classes

How to create value is the best way to start a business.

The installation of solar power, together with the price of solar panels in the Philippines, has come down so low these days that any business or astute homeowner should start counting the wealth of energy that falls on their roof and use that to pay down the electric bill.

Using solar energy to fuel your own personal power plant is is the ingenuity and adaptation that drives the Filipino Economy for self reliance and lower energy costs.

It is in our nature to create value in everything we do. Installing solar and paying less than P2 pesos a kWh is just smart since there is no escaping an electric bill until now and burning more coal these days is just dumb.

At Solaric, we are realists and renewable energy professionals. We have a different approach in bringing mass adaptation of Solar throughout the Philippines and that is through our Solar installer and pro user education programs called Solar 101 and Solar 202.

Our graduates have powered entire factories and many homes with our Philippine solar power systems and designs from straight from class notes and our renowned engineering support to confidently energize your project.

In the past three years we have condensed a weeklong US solar installer training program and experience of doing hundreds of installations into a weekend seminar covering theory, practical design, system sizing, safety and live installation of real gear.

Pertinent topics that cover the Philippines such as black out run capable systems, ROI calculations, and Net Metering so you don’t have to buy batteries are discussed in an open forum manner.

These are topics that any serious businessman or astute housewife should know before spending thousands on a solar system that can power a refrigerator to an escalator.

Our Solar 101 and 202 seminars is a semi technical course that allows any college level person or engineer to understand the practical aspects of Philippine solar systems and how it can economically bring down electricity bills, replace diesel generation and most importantly teach the average consumer or policy maker on what type of solar system to install in a no nonsense non biased manner.

Grid tie, off grid and the latest Lithium Hybrid systems are discussed at length and a graduate of this course can figure out what solar solution would best fit their needs and how not to waste money on common mistakes. Our solar 202 graduates start businesses with our preferential industry pricing which is too low to print to purchase solar panels and other gear without the burden of stocking inventory.

Thousands of people from all walks of life- Housewives, business owners, Energy managers, and even other solar companies have made this a popular course over the past 3 years. Every chapter and page of content of this class is based on practical or actual experiences in solar projects in the Philippines.

Yes, it is uncommon for a company to divulge trade secrets in its operations but we are a rather unconventional and our energy source is truly universal.

Our view is that quality fundamentals and techniques are needed to make renewable energy grow in sunny Philippines and that is how we put a little Solaric install in every island.

For more information or to register go to www.solaric.com.ph/solar101

solar 101 by SolaricNext class is August 12 and 13 at Mess Hall Karravin Plaza Pasong Tamo Ext Makati, with hands on conducted in our newly built solaric training showroom with millions of pesos worth of teaching aids and setups of every deployable solar technology.

Cost is P5000 for Solar 101 and P5000 for Solar 202 as these are whole day technical seminars with Food, consumables and text book included. For more information please call 5040092 or email us at info@solaric.com.ph

Class sizes are limited and pre registration and payment is strongly recommended as we had to turn down walk ins in the past.

Energy Efficient: Why You Should Get a Solar Powerbank

Photo by Christian Widell

Have you ever experienced your phone dying in the middle of a long trip, and the nearest charging outlet feels like a Solar System away from the Philippines? If you have experienced this kind of scenario, then it is about time you get your own powerbank!

Powerbanks are portable battery packs that enable you to charge your mobile phone or tablet without the need of plugging them in a socket. They’re extremely efficient to carry around, and they don’t add much weight to your baggage. Sometimes it’s only when you’re desperate to charge your phone in an emergency when you realize how important it is to really have a powerbank in your bag at all times. Don’t wait for that to happen.

There are many different kinds of affordable powerbanks available in the market today. If you’re looking for one that is worth your money while being environmentally friendly at the same time, then a solar powerbank is what you’re looking for.

It’s portable

A powerbank is portable, meaning it can be easily packed in any bag. Many models are as slim and light as your phone. Solar powerbanks offer you the same portability as well, while also being built as sturdy as possible. Most solar powerbank models come in silicone rubber casings so it’s safe from most forms of contact with any hard surface. You won’t be worrying it getting damaged if you have a lot of items in your bag.

Charge Anytime, Anywhere

As mentioned earlier, one of the perks of having a powerbank is being able to charge anywhere. You can charge your phone or tablet wherever you are, whether you’re in a car, boat, plane, or even while walking.

Depending on the model, some powerbanks can offer hours of charging, which can help your phone last a whole day. While a normal powerbank requires you to plug it in once it’s empty, a solar powerbank can be charged through the power of sunlight. In a tropical country like the Philippines, this can be no problem as there is hardly any shortage of sunlight for us.

It’s environmentally-friendly

Perhaps the most important benefit of having a solar powerbank is that it is environmentally-friendly. Having the ability to recharge the powerbank without the need of plugging it into a socket means that you are saving a good amount of electricity. All you need is some sunlight! There are also models that can be charged just by exposing it to fluorescent light. By not using electricity to charge your powerbank and phone, you are already reducing your carbon footprint without effort.

A powerbank is one of the most essential items to bring during work or school. It is especially useful when going out of town or out of the country. Having it with you at all times ensures you that your gadgets can be charged up at a moment’s notice. A solar powerbank gives you all these, plus being able to charge them outdoors. In case you’re interested, there are other solar-powered gadgets you might want to consider having as well.

How to Safely Work on a Roof

Image by Andreas Weiland

With the constant heat, it is tempting to manually install solar panels in the Philippines but the price people in doing so without safety precautions could be fatal. To get this renewable energy source on the roof of your home safely, it’s best to have it professionally done. As for other work you need to do on the roof, here are a few tips to stay safe.

Guard Rails

Guardrail systems are used to make removable guardrails on your roof. This can be attached to any type of roof at any angle. It also has risers which can accept any standard 2×4 piece of wood. When connected to each other, they create a stable rail system for your roof.

The rail system acts as the vertical bars that support the wood which act as the horizontal bars. These also have holders at the bottom to hold 2×4’s that act as toe boards so that tools don’t fall off. Install this on all the edges of your roof or, at least, on the steep parts of it.

Toe Board Brackets

Aside from the toe boards on the rail systems, toe board brackets are devices that can be used while working on a roof to provide stable footing for on any part of the roof. This bracket is weaved into the roofing to remain stable while being used. 3 are needed in order to hold up a 12 foot 2×6. This especially useful because it can also act as a slide guard so you can bring along your tools with you to any part of the roof without worrying that they will slide off and injure someone on a lower level. These brackets are easily removed without damage to the roof.

Use a Good Ladder

And use it well. If you are on the ladder and it gives way, then the fall could be fatal for you and/or whoever you might land on. To ensure that this doesn’t happen, a ladder is something you shouldn’t skimp money on. You must also know how to use it properly.

First, the ladder must be tall enough to reach the edge of your roof and have a 3-foot allowance. Then, you must know how to set it properly, a.k.a. the following:

Use a flat surface.
Set it at a correct angle; too steep could make it fall over; too angled could make it slide out from underneath.
Screw in 2×4’s at the feet of the ladder to prevent it from sliding off.
Secure the ladder either by tying it to the roof or using a ladder stabilizer.

Other Safety Measures

Use bright warning lines to warn yourself of dangerous areas such steep parts of the roof, unprotected edges, skylight holes, etc.
Have safety signs and plans regarding where certain risks are in the roof and where to be extra careful.
Wear a hard hat to protect yourself from falling items.

Being safe on the roof is all about the having the right tools, using them properly, and being responsible not only for your own safety but for others. These are all good investments to ensure that you can improve your house without risking your life.

5 Things You Need to Know About the Paris Agreement

Image by Martin Reisch

The Paris Agreement is the global effort to reduce climate change by the end of the century. Our own President Duterte is already on board with the movement and has even installed a system of solar panels in the Philippines, specifically in North Cotabato. It is possible that he may begin asking his citizens to comply as well. Here is everything you need to know about the Paris Agreement.

2 Degrees

The Paris Agreement is all about keeping the world’s average temperature from rising by 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels until 2100. Some may think that this is such a small number for a global movement but the smallest increase in global temperature already has huge consequences. Such a climate change could cause higher seas, drastic weather changes, and food and water droughts.

It’s Completely Voluntary

The accord states that, in order to achieve the aforementioned goal, countries should reach their peak emissions as soon as possible – before 2020 to be exact. This is the time when carbon emissions need to begin to decline rapidly lest the whole planet suffer the dire consequences. However it is not stated how the government is to do so. It only provides the framework to start greenhouse gas reduction. The government of each involved country will decide how they will reach their peak emissions as fast as possible.

The idea is to create a culture of accountability. Because of this, no punishment is provided for breaking the agreement for all 195 countries that have agreed to it. But since there was no punishment, the US was able to withdraw from it. While they are not bound to follow it, their withdrawal has been subject to global criticism.

The Rich will Help The Poor

Part of the agreement is for richer countries to provide 100 billion dollars by 2020 to aid less financially-capable countries. The logic of this provision, in relation to climate change, is that the rich countries will be making up for their malpractices. These countries were able to attain their money by burning huge amounts of fossil fuels which also contributed to climate change. Thus, poor countries that do not have the budget needed to protect themselves from global warming suffer because of the actions of rich countries.

The amount of $100 billion per year is set to increase over time. However, like other provisions in the agreement, this is isn’t an absolute mandate.

Donald Trump and the Withdrawal of the United States

As previously mentioned POTUS Donald Trump has recently withdrawn the United States of America from Paris Agreement. He also claimed that climate change was a hoax created by the Chinese to hurt the economy of his country. Ever since he was sworn into office, Trump has been rolling back rules that limit carbon emissions and backing out of the Paris Agreement just further proved this.

Under the Obama administration, the US promised that it would reduce its carbon emissions by 28% by 2025. This amounts to 1.6 billion tons of carbon. Approximately 150 businesses as well as some states have already agreed to comply to this. It is clear that the United States would have played a key factor in reaching the Paris Agreement’s goal especially given that it is the world’s secpnd largest pollutant.

What Happens Next?

Since the US has withdrawn, the world is now looking to China to take the lead the agreement and the country has already taken up the mantle. Premier Li Keqiang said that “China will stand by its responsibilities on climate change”. Being that his country is the largest pollutant, their compliance with the agreement is what the world needs to see that the agreement’s goals are reached. They have already committed to reaching their peak emissions by 2030 so that they may quickly shrink it afterwards. Also, they will be investing $350 billion in renewable energy by 2020.

The Paris Agreement is a global movement and one of the biggest showcase of world unity in a long time. For it to succeed its mission, world leaders are making the efforts to reach peak emissions as soon as possible. In order for them to do that, their citizens must follow the changes and new acts they may implement.

What Global Warming Has Done in 2017

Solar panels in the Philippines are extremely useful as they are able to utilize the harsh rays of the sun by converting it into renewable energy. It’s not exactly a good thing though that that both the temperatures and the sea levels have rapidly been rising, all because of global warming.

If you’ve never given a thought about why each year just gets hotter and hotter, then it’s time to open your eyes to what climate change has been doing to the world.

Uncharted Territory

According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the record breaking heat of 2016 has been continuing in 2017. In 2016, the heat was caused by carbon dioxide emissions from human activity. This along with a strong El Niño is what caused the all time high heat.

However, even with the death of El Niño, the extreme temperatures have continued in 2017. Because of this, the director of WMO, David Carlson, described this year to be “uncharted territory” as it looks like the world record for global temperature will be broken again in 2017.

The Climate in 2016

For context on how dire the situation is for the world today, here is a summary of the climate in 2016.

Record high temperatures were set in these countries:

In January a temperature of 42.7C (108.9F) was recorded in Pretoria, South Africa.
In April a temperature of 44.6C (112.3F) was recorded in Mae Hong Son,Thailand.
In May, a temperature of 51.0C (123.8F) was recorded in Phalodi, India.
In July, a temperature of 54.0C (129.2F) was recorded in Mitribah, Kuwait.

The oceans also suffered from the heat with up to 50% mortality rate in the Great Barrier Reef of Australia and 75% of the biggest reef in Japan experiencing coral bleaching. To clarify, coral bleaching occurs when the corals get stressed out due to extreme heat, and become in danger of dying.

Scientific research has shown that the last time the world was this warm was 115,000 years ago. The most dangerous greenhouse gasses, methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide, are all rising at an alarming rate and will cause even more severe global warming in the near future. The results include melting glaciers and ice sheets, causing a rise in sea levels and the possibility of coastal cities becoming submerged.

The Climate in 2017

According to Doha-based media company Al Jazeera, the NOAA’s National Center for Environmental Information has reported three facts about the temperature in March 2017:

It’s the 4^th warmest month in a database that started in 1880
It’s the 2^nd warmest March, with March 2016 being the first
The temperature during this month was 1.12C above the overall average temperature of the database.

In the same database, the warmest months were January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, March 2017, and February 2017. From these figures, experts say that 2017 will challenge 2016 for the warmest year in recorded history.

Donald Trump

While multiple experts such as research scientist Jeffrey Kargel and climate change scientist David Reay have called for immediate action to combat climate change, POTUS Donald Trump and his administration have chosen to cut climate change research programs. In fact, he has recently chosen to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, wherein countries are dedicate efforts to mitigate global warming.

Trump’s reasoning is that the terms in the agreement provide unfair environmental standards for American business. Because of this, he demands for renegotiation before rejoining. However, said the leaders of France, Germany, and Italy have stated that the terms in the accord are “irreversible”.

This greatly weakens that battle against global warming because America is the world’s second largest polluter; without their participation in the Paris Climate Agreement, the world’s climate and global warming are less likely to see major improvements.

Clearly the world is in a dire state with human emissions of carbon dioxide causing the rise of global warming at a dangerous rate. It will fall on China, the world’s leading polluter, to comply with the Paris Climate Agreement and each and every one of us to make efforts in reducing our carbon footprint for us to have a fighting chance at saving the world.