What challenges do you see now in your respective industry? How do you intend to help address these challenges?

It’s often said that the COVID-19 pandemic was just a dress rehearsal for how we will face an even more perilous world from the impacts of climate change, which was the greatest challenge of our time. The overriding goal, therefore, is to “solve climate change”—which means mitigating it and adapting to its impacts already present, with more yet to come. “Solving Climate Change” means going through necessary phases: 1) reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the current 50 gigatons per year, with emissions peaking by 2025; 2) aiming to further eliminate greenhouse gas emissions—get to net zero emissions by 2050; and 3) by 2050, to begin the arduous task of reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to at most 350ppm.

For the energy sector, decarbonising and scaling up a green electricity grid over the next three decades is probably the most impactful energy transition in the history of the world. It’s not just changing the electricity system but building a new global energy system with components we have never built before and at a massive scale. This will need nothing short of collaborative action among various players that today often consider themselves competitors. These also need well-coordinated and timely action on the part of leaders, policymakers and regulators who must be decisive and well-versed on the elements that make for a successful and just energy transition.

What can you say to those who want to follow in your footsteps?

Climate change is a massive and complex problem that no individual or company can solve alone. While the problem makes us feel insignificant, it does not make us feel helpless or alone in this fight. More and more people are becoming aware of the emergency and the massive and lasting effects climate change will have on all life. Since we launched our re-casted Mission statement, it has achieved so much traction internally. It has become a beacon of sorts, reorienting our strategy and choice of capabilities and businesses moving forward. Having a clear purpose and hiring and nurturing the right people who share the same mindset makes the seemingly insurmountable challenge of solving climate change more exciting and achievable.

Who do you look up to for guidance, inspiration, or mentorship?

A boy’s first hero is his father. I always remember looking up to my Dad, Oscar M Lopez, with admiration, trust, and an intense desire to emulate him. For him, wealth can empower you to do big things, but it also imposes great responsibilities upon you, which is why we’ve always viewed ourselves as stewards of our businesses. I also learned from observing him that when a commitment comes from the heart, it inspires the head to act in surprisingly inventive ways. Our platform of businesses has always been inspired and influenced by my father’s beliefs and values. At 93 years old, he continued to be an inspiration to me and my siblings, and hopefully to many others who have witnessed his passion and dedication to his family, his work, and the environment.

What are your plans for the coming years, and what keeps you going?

For the FPH Group, as we help realise the Net Zero goal by 2050 and in line with the Philippine Energy Plan, our transition to a decarbonised future will be anchored by our efforts to bring in liquefied natural gas (LNG). When completed in 2023, our LNG terminal in Batangas City will allow us to import natural gas from around the world, thus providing consumers with cleaner, reliable energy that will help displace power produced by dirty coal. Of course, over time as more clean energy and storage are added to our grids, we must look toward decommissioning our natural gas plants. They can either be repowered with green fuels like hydrogen as they become feasible in the coming decade or outright decommissioned before 2050. On a personal level, generating momentum for a decarbonised and regenerative future will keep me fulfilled and going for many more years ahead.

NOW READ

Meet the president of Robinsons Land Corporation and Universal Hotels and Resorts, who has had a passion for journalism

Broadcast journalist Karen Davila says ‘the digital space is now’

The world’s most sustainable fashion week: Copenhagen leading the way by embracing zero-waste shows and recycled fashion