It’s natural for parents to worry about their children's future. And because of the ongoing climate crisis, most of their life choices are anchored on what would be most beneficial for their kids.
In the case of one dad, one of the most enduring decisions he has made and continues to make is to create a livable planet for his kids — and he has done this by choosing a career that is helping make that happen.
Jerome Cainglet, 53, is a father to Josh (24), Je-An (23), Jedo (20), and the bunso, Jeri (8 months old). He graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in chemical engineering.
After working as an engineer for a few years, he found his calling in the energy sector, where he has taken on management and leadership positions. He has since acquired an executive master of business administration degree from the Asian Institute of Management.
At present, Jerome works as the vice president for business development as well as head of the gas business unit of First Gen Corporation, a Filipino power generation company that is as dedicated to the same mission as he is.
Among his notable feats: pioneering the development of natural gas power plants.
“I am proud to say that I was among the very first individuals to have started these [natural gas power plant] projects and who continue to be involved in [their] management and operations,” Jerome said.
But, why and how does all of this matter, especially for Jerome as a father?
The role of natural gas power plants against the climate crisis
What’s happening around the world is proof that climate change is very much real — and here in the Philippines, we experience it in the form of hotter climates as well as worse, more frequent floods and typhoons, among others.
According to a scientific report by the United Nations, aside from the rising temperatures, the climate crisis is also making oceans acidic, raising the sea level, creating fires; and causing more frequent and more intense heatwaves, droughts, and floods. All of that paints a terrifying picture of the world our children will live in.
One of the major factors to blame: the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into our atmosphere, which is largely caused by burning coal to generate electricity.
So, in the hopes of minimizing this and paving the way for a decarbonized future for Filipinos, First Gen has been committed to providing cleaner energy options, such as natural gas, which is less harmful than coal and oil.
As explained by Jerome: “Natural gas is considered clean because our [natural gas-powered] power plants emit only about a third of the carbon emissions of coal plants. Natural gas plants do not have the sludge and solid waste problems that come with the operations of coal-fired power plants.”
Burning coal to generate energy also produces sludge and solid waste, which are harmful to the environment.
Natural gas is a reliable energy source, too, because it can keep up with the growing and fluctuating energy demand.
“Natural gas is globally considered as a transition fuel in the journey towards a zero-carbon future,” he said. “This is because apart from geothermal energy, which is a site-specific energy source, other renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are intermittent.”
Intermittent here means that the energy supply from these renewable sources is irregular or unsteady. Whenever there is not enough sunlight or wind, solar power plants or wind power plants are unable to supply energy. Natural gas-powered plants will save the day — and with less carbon emissions that risk all life on Earth, especially that of future generations.
The ultimate goal, however, is a future where our energy sources are 100% renewable, and Jerome understands that the quickest way to get there is to replace as much coal with natural gas and renewables. Eventually, natural gas itself should be replaced with renewables when they become more viable.
Working with First Gen for the future of his kids
As a father who has a deeper understanding of the challenges the climate crisis poses to future generations, Jerome is determined to continue his work at First Gen.
“I am genuinely afraid of what kind of world [my kids] would be forced to live in when they are already living their own lives. There are so many years ahead of them, but I am worried if the Earth would still be in a livable condition during [those] years,” Jerome opened up.
“That is why I 100-percent agree that we should do something about the climate [crisis] if we really love our kids.”
Despite the challenges that he regularly faces in his job, Jerome remains committed to it for the sake of his kids.
“First Gen values the need to assure a continually livable Earth for future generations, [and] this couldn’t be more aligned with my personal advocacies — that of providing for my family and giving them a better chance for a better future,” he said.
More than the pride he gets out of helping build a better future and living conditions for Filipinos, Jerome said he also finds fulfillment in how his work is something he can openly share with his kids.
“I am proud of my work and what I do which contributes to the march to the progress of the Philippines, but what makes me even prouder is the fact that I can say to my kids with a straight face that I am part of a company that is working hard to get the Philippines, and the world, to a better zero-carbon future,” he said.
Among the many decisions parents make to ensure that their kids would still have a livable planet in the years to come, Jerome underscored the need for a collective call to businesses to put high regard on the lives of future generations.
“If we truly value our children’s future, we would demand that all companies provide products and services that do not compromise the continued availability of our resources for future generations, additional costs notwithstanding,” he insisted.
“Then, we would know which company truly provides the most cost-effective solutions for both present and future generations.”
Know more about the regenerative efforts of First Gen at firstgen.com.ph. Follow First Gen Corporation on Facebook.
