Over the past one to two centuries global warming has become a serious problem. This long-term issue has an impact on everything from animal life to mankind and the functions of our planet. Harmful human activities such as burning fossil fuels and cutting down forests are the main causes of these climate changes.
When it comes to fixing the issue, one person alone doesn’t have a huge impact. However, if we all make even one small change in our lifestyle, we can make a big difference.
One of the ways you can help is by changing your home’s source of energy. Your home is most likely powered by energy that comes from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil or gas. Installing photovoltaic (PV) panels, also known as solar panels on your roof is a great way to start using renewable energy. By switching to renewable energy, less harmful materials are being used and less air pollutants are being released. In the future, this decision will have a positive impact on the environment.
The use of photovoltaic energy in North Macedonia has increased drastically. With the introduction of the strategy for development of energy in the Republic of North Macedonia that was adopted from the government in 2019, it’s predicted that the photovoltaic and wind power plants will be the fastest growing technologies for production of electrical energy in any case, in other words there’s a construction in plan involving wind power plants up to 750 MW and photovoltaic power plants up to 1400 MW.
One of the steps they took to support the production of electricity from renewable sources was introducing the premium. The producers of electricity from photovoltaic and wind power plants that use the premium can massively sell the electricity on the market, and for the sold amounts they could get premium as an additional extraction from the price achieved on the market for electricity.
As a result of the support from the government of North Macedonia, Veles also joined this project by making plans for financing and installation of photovoltaic panels.
A lot of companies help by investing in solar panels. Big institutions such as schools, hospitals, or banks already have PV panels installed. A great example is our school “Dimitrija Chupovski”. With multiple solar panels installed on the roof, our school plays a part in fighting the climate changes.
So if you’re thinking of ways to contribute, then you should consider getting PV panels. Not only will it help the environment, but it will also financially benefit you.
However, you can still help even if you’re not in a position to make such a change to your lifestyle. If you can’t change the source of your energy, you can limit the amount of it you use. Saving energy is another great way to help fight climate change. You can save energy by turning the unnecessary lights off, hand drying your clothes and dishes instead of using dryers, controlling the heating and the cooling, and eating more fresh food.
In whichever way you choose to contribute, the most important one is to spread the word. Tell your close ones, family and friends. Everyone is aware of this global crisis, but not everyone knows how to help. By giving people an example of how to help, you’re doing so yourself.
Remember to be patient. The world won’t change overnight and it takes time to see progress. Don’t give up and keep fighting for our planet, it’s the only home we have.
Students from “Dimitrija Chupovski” Veles