When it comes to going green as a step in the fight against climate change, there is no doubt that Bangladesh continues to lag behind.
That is not to say that we are not trying.
Steps have already been taken within certain industries and by the government to ensure that more people are aware of the detrimental effects of climate change. And the results are now more visible than ever.
For example, when it comes to matters of greening, our RMG sector has the highest number of green factories with seven out of the top 10 in the world being in Bangladesh.
This is impressive, to say the least, but, unfortunately, the fight against climate change demands much more. But it is also a fight we cannot fight alone.
We recently editorialized on the need for a strict carbon tax that disincentivizes the use of fossil fuels. But that in and of itself will never be enough as we require a nation that strives to go green at every step.
In this regard, in a recent interview with Danish Ambassador Winnie Estrup Petersen, to hear her speak of Denmark’s willingness to assist Bangladesh in the process of going green was encouraging -- with more and more Danish companies coming into our nation to offer green solutions for local manufacturers.
At the end of the day, it is the international community’s – in particular developed nations which contribute the most to climate change -- participation that will be essential to Bangladesh’s drive to go green.
And the benefits to such measures are limitless. Not only will we have a cleaner and greener nation, it will also encourage much more international investment, which will propel our economy forward.
