The programme is brought to you by Rosatom and broadcast by National Geographic
Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom rallied policymakers and business leaders in the Philippines to lend more support to the fight against global warming through a special screening of “Wild Edens: Russia” on December 7.
The first in a series that highlights the issue of climate change, the documentary features the flora and fauna in the unique natural habitats of Russia. It was filmed in a number of rugged and remote locations, including the Altai Mountains, the Kamchatka Peninsula, and the Artic.
Russia’s ambassador to the Philippines, Igor Khovaev, kicked off the event and talked about the perils of global warming and commitments to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. “Reducing the consumption of carbon energy and the creation of enterprises producing and working on ‘clean’ energy is the key to a bright and happy future of our planet,” Mr. Khovaev said – “Here in the the Philippines, this is very well understood: as a country highly vulnerable to climate and disaster risks, it is very sensitive to the negative impact of climate change”.
Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation, the world's leading producer of safe and clean energy, is deeply concerned with the threats associated with global climate change. Egor Simonov, Director for Rosatom South East Asia, said: “Through the Wild Edens project we hope to draw more attention from the international community to climate change and the need for a global transition to clean energy.”
Last year, the Philippines signed the historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change. It has committed to reduce carbon emissions by 70 percent particularly in the energy, transport, waste, forestry and industry sectors come 2030. According to experts, nuclear power, together with renewables, can help hinder the devastating effects of climate change and preserve the planet for generations to come.
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) Director Carlo A. Arcilla echoed the potential of using Rosatom’s expertise in generating clean energy in cutting greenhouse gas emissions particularly in the Philippines: “With electricity demand increasing in the Philippines by 2 percent each year, the Philippines can turn to a clean source of energy like nuclear to expand its capacity while preserving its natural resources.”
In December 2017, ROSATOM signed a memorandum of understanding with the Philippines’ Department of Science and Technology, committing technical assistance in the form of exchange of experts, arrangement of workshops and symposia, training and education of personnel, and exchange of scientific information, among others.
Acclaimed wildlife conservation guru and Philippines environmentalist, Kim Atienza, meanwhile, emphasized how individual contributions are equally important to combat global warming: “It is important to remember that every one of us can make a difference and play our part. Each little step counts for a lot – whether it’s recycling our garbage or simply choosing to walk or bike instead of drive a car. And it’s encouraging to see the people working in big corporations lead the way.”
About Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation
Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation is the world leader in the production of safe and clean energy, and it adheres to the principle of social responsibility and the need for preserving natural resources. Rosatom comprises 350 companies and research institutions in the nuclear industry. With over 70 years of experience in the nuclear sector, Rosatom offers integrated services in the nuclear industry, from uranium enrichment to building nuclear power plants internationally, while giving priority to improving product quality, introducing innovative technologies as well as environmental management. Rosatom is actively implementing projects in the field of applied research and innovation. Russian atomic technologies have been used in the construction of 120 research reactors around the world.
About the Wild Edens project
The project's main goal is to attract the attention of the international community to climate change and the need for a global transition to clean and low-carbon energy. The filming and broadcasting on National Geographic Channel of unique documentaries about wilderness areas with animals and plants in danger of extinction due to global climate change will be the culmination of the project. The locations for filming have been chosen to show the extraordinary beauty of landscapes, and at the same time to emphasize that these unique places and their inhabitants, rare species of animals, birds, the unique natural environment, forest, water bodies and plants, are in danger of extinction. Off the Fence, an independent production company, produced Wild Edens documentary series. Executive producers are Ellen Windemouth and Allison Bean. Producer and Director is Andrew Zikking.
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