Bangladesh needs to recognise that it is one of the countries most likely to suffer from the adverse effects of climate change. Melting polar ice could raise sea levels and permanently inundate the southern districts of Bangadesh, making millions of our citizens homeless and landless.
Fortunately, there is a way out. Renewable energy technologies like solar, wind, and biogas have made leaps forward in recent years. Germany generated half of its energy from solar on June 9, a historic event on the path towards sustainability. Such progress has only been possible because European countries are subsidising renewable energy.
In Bangladesh, we are doing the opposite; we are subsidising fossil fuels (like diesel, natural gas, and coal) which are sold at lower prices here than in neighbouring countries. This should change. The prices of fossil fuels should be raised, and some of the revenue thus raised should be used to subsidise renewable energy.
Promoting the expansion of green energy sources is indispensible for our future as subsidies offered to fossil fuels have outlived their worth. Renewable energy technologies have advanced enough to be able to compete with other energy sources.
It is now necessary for our country to invest in alternative energy sources that do not pose such threats to our environment. We have the essential technology to accomplish this task. What we require is the political will. The government must start thinking long term and take the necessary steps to decrease our reliance on fossil fuels.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
