(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)
THE UNITED Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) ended last November 5 in Glasgow, Scotland.
There was little progress to show even as the world faces a grim future if very little is done about how we reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that cause global warming.
The Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says that limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C by the end of the century is still possible. It will require rapid, immediate, and economy-wide reductions in GHG emissions reductions, as well as the removal of carbon from the atmosphere.
Should we fail to act now and GHG emissions continue to rise unabated, warming could climb by the end of the century to between 3.3 degrees Celsius and 5.7°C above preindustrial levels, and temperatures would bring catastrophic and inequitable impacts “beyond anything seen so far,” the IPCC says.
The good news is that sales of electricity-powered cars have increased. It means less use of gasoline and diesel that pollutes the air and contributes to global warming.
The use of solar power is increasing too, a better alternative to, say, coal-based power generation that increases GHG emissions significantly.
Dr. David Wheeler is a dentist in Covington, Virginia, who believes in clean air. His clinic is among the first medical offices in the Alleghany Highlands community to install solar panels.
The 17.63-kilowatt solar power system reduces about 75 percent of the dental clinic’s annual energy use, according to Altenergy, the solar power contractor which installed Dr. Wheeler’s solar panels. Altenergy designs, builds and installs solar energy systems as well to generate clean, renewable energy.
Dr. Wheeler’s solar power system uses 41 panels, adequate to power the dental clinic’s energy needs, from office lights to equipment for dental procedures.
“Going solar is a small part of what we can do to slow global warming by moving us closer to being carbon neutral,” said Dr. Wheeler. “By being a visible part of the community, this project may inspire some to start conversations about reducing their carbon footprint.”
The high-tech dental practitioner also believes it makes good business sense: it reduces the electricity bill.
According to Altenergy, Dr. Wheeler’s investment “reflects a growing trend across the country to invest in solar power as the cost of electricity has increased.”
Dr. Wheeler worked with Altenergy to secure grant funding for the project. The grant provided up to 25 percent of the investment needed to purchase, install and construct the solar system. This is important for small businesses conscious of their budgets. Additional financing was provided by a local bank.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; and Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com/PN
