The current energy crisis plaguing Bangladesh, and indeed most of the world, is a stark reminder of how fragile the prevailing fossil-based sources of fuel are.
As a nation, we have been relying on fossil fuel-based power generation methods for far too long -- not only are they unreliable and expensive, but as an at-risk nation from climate change such as Bangladesh, it goes directly against our own image as a nation on the frontlines.
As such, to know that Bangladesh is struggling to limit its greenhouse gas (GHG) emission levels is nothing if not disheartening.
Even though Bangladesh is comparatively contributing a minuscule amount to global emissions -- our GHG emissions increased by 4.5% last year -- it has the potential to be greatly catalyzed as the nation starts to become more industrialized. Unless, of course, greener practices are adopted as we move forward.
The current energy crisis is posing severe challenges for limiting nations targeting fossil fuel-based energy options as many least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS) are struggling to meet their energy demand for food production and basic services. Which is why this is the perfect time for Bangladesh to pivot towards renewable energy.
Bangladesh is capable of generating 30,000MW of electricity from renewable sources, while the authorities only aimed to generate 2,800MW by 2021. Unfortunately, our country's share of green energy sources that are connected to the national grid still persists below 1%.
This would be a perfect place to start.
Subsidies for homes and industries looking to pivot over to renewable sources of energy -- in the form of rooftop solar panels, for example -- would go a long way to popularize it and spread its usage.
It's never too early to go green, and the administration would do well to start this instance.
