studentcorner Conserve energy

By Kwon Hyo-jin

On Sept. 15, 2011, Korea experienced a nationwide blackout arising from the overuse of electricity. As a result, malfunctioning traffic lights caused accidents and jams at major intersections nationwide, children were locked inside elevators, and even surgeries came to a halt unexpectedly, putting patients at risk.

During the past 100 years, we have achieved rapid economic growth and modernization. In the aftermath of global industrialization, the Earth’s temperature has increased by 0.8 degrees.

This change might appear trivial at a glance. However, before the Industrial Revolution, the Earth’s temperature increased 1.1 degrees over the 1,000-year period. This shows how global warming has intensified since the revolution which increased exponentially the emissions of CO2.

Our modern lifestyles have continued to deplete the reserves of fossil fuels and other energy sources.

It’s time to take radical measures to prevent potential catastrophic consequences arising from climate change and energy shortages.

People can easily escape the heat wave if they go inside cafes, shopping malls, banks or office buildings which maintain room temperatures relatively low by running energy-consuming air conditioners.

There is a difference of up to 10 degrees Celsius between room temperatures and outdoor temperatures. Public offices are required to keep the temperature above 26 degrees Celsius.

However, commercial and residential buildings are subject to a loose indoor temperature guideline that allows companies and individuals to waste energy.

Enterprises and households should make efforts to save energy by following the government initiative regarding room temperature.

Companies and public organizations can launch a campaign for “Cool Fridays” allowing employees to wear shorts instead of suits, to cope with the sweltering heat of summer, reduce the use of electric appliances and conserve energy.

The government could offer more tax benefits and other incentives to companies that comply with the energy-saving campaign.

Just as saving water and electricity were promoted actively in Korea in the past, once again, government, enterprises and the public need to work together to cut back on energy use and improve energy efficiency.

Ordinary people can make a difference by taking simple steps to pull the electric plugs when lights, television sets, computers, and other appliances are not in use.

By doing so, consumers can save almost 11 percent of energy that is used in each household. Another way to save energy is to fill only 60 percent of the refrigerator. In other words, people need to refrain from stocking up on ice cream, watermelons and other delicacies as well as opening the door too often.

Also, changing incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent light bulbs improve energy efficiency with the same amount of energy.

As a part of the energy-saving campaign, the government will make efforts to prevent the production and use of incandescent light bulbs starting next year. Consumers can be more aggressive by using LED lamps.

These actions are small, but when put into practice they can help save energy and reduce the possibility of yet another blackout.

Energy saving cannot be accomplished without the public’s active participation. Everyone must act responsibly to maintain sustainable economic development.

Kwon Hyo-jin is a sixth grader at Hanbat Elementary School in Daejeon.