Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday urged all to play a role in protecting the environment by using green energy like solar, wind, and hydro-power, which do not emit carbon, while calling for increased global support in Bangladesh's fight against climate change.
He made the remarks at the inauguration of the 24th National Renewable Energy Conference and Green Expo-2024 at the Senate Bhaban of Dhaka University (DU), highlighting Bangladesh's proactive initiatives despite not being historically responsible for high carbon emissions.
The two-day expo, organised by Dhaka University's Institute of Energy and the Greentech Foundation, features an exhibition and four technical seminars, drawing attention to the urgent need for renewable energy solutions in Bangladesh.
Painting a stark picture of the current climate crisis, Hasan noted that the sea levels are rising by 0.73 inches every year, with Bangladesh experiencing even more significant increases. He said that rising tides are now affecting upscale areas in Chattogram city. The frequency and intensity of cyclones and hurricanes hitting Bangladesh have surged, some 80 per cent of which is attributed to climate change.
"Even if all commitments under the Paris Agreement are fulfilled, carbon emissions will still increase by three per cent. The current situation is dire, and a three per cent rise would be catastrophic," Hasan warned.
Stressing the importance of solar energy, Hasan said current regulations require three acres of land per megawatt of solar power, whereas 1.6 acres would suffice while asserting, "Being densely populated, Bangladesh cannot afford such inefficient policies. We need to change these regulations immediately."
DU Vice-Chancellor ASM Maksud Kamal emphasised that Bangladesh, along with 52 other countries, suffers from the effects of carbon emissions caused by more industrialised nations.
"Renewable energy is crucial for temperature reduction, and we must move away from dependency," Kamal stressed.
Principal Coordinator for SDG affairs at the Prime Minister's Office MdAkhtarHossain highlighted Bangladesh's commendable performance in the SDG rankings, surpassing India and Pakistan.
SREDA Chairman Munira Sultana said there is a land shortage for solar power projects and ongoing efforts in onshore wind power. Offshore studies are also in progress, with steps to be taken upon completion of the report.
IDCOL CEO AlamgirMorshed announced Bangladesh's goal to reduce carbon emissions by five to six per cent through self-financing.
Morshed explained that achieving renewable energy targets by 2041 will require a $26.5 billion investment. "We have the technology, but funding is crucial. Models need to be developed to involve insurance companies and the stock market."
Bangladesh Solar and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA) President NurulAkhtar urged for increased public awareness and investment in solar power. "If we can replace 1.5 million irrigation pumps, we can achieve 30 per cent of our target," Akhtar stated.
The conference's keynote address was delivered by KhondakarMorshedMillat, advisor to the Greentech Foundation. Other notable speakers included SM Nafiz Sams, director of DU's Institute of Energy, and LutfarRahman, CEO and executive director of Greentech Foundation.
