Transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy must: Speakers

Speakers at an event on Monday underscored the need for transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources to combat global warming and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

They made the remarks at the programme organised by ActionAid Bangladesh at the office of Global Platform Bangladesh in Dhaka, marking the World Environment Day.

The speakers also called for taking urgent actions to address the global plastic crisis in with this year’s theme of #beatplasticpollution.

They said the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2023-2024 suggested raising the value-added tax (VAT) on plastic household appliances such as cookware, tableware, and hygiene products from 5 per cent to 7.5 per cent.

Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh Farah Kabir said, “We must get united in our commitment to protecting and preserving our environment for the well-being of current and future generations. It seems that we live in a parallel world. We are observing the environment day to raise awareness, but we are cutting down trees for beautification.”

“We need greater synergy to build a world where clean energy powers our economies and sustainable practices become the norm. Youth must be in the forefront of efforts to combat plastic pollution, spearhead the energy transition, and create a sustainable environment for the future generation,” she added.

Dr. Shahriar Hossain, Ecologist, Social Justice Advocate, Secretary General, Executive Committee, Environment and Social Development Organisation said, “We need to move away from the concept of recycling and rather transition towards refuse, reduce, reuse and refill strategy.”

Dr. Haseeb Md. Irfanullah, Independent Consultant at Environment, Climate Change & Research System said, “We need to start talking about nature-based solution finance and establish an information repository for stronger coordination among different stakeholders.”