Speakers at a roundtable discussion on “Expanding Renewable Energy on Clean Air and Energy Security” have said that the burning of biofuels is releasing toxic gas into the air which is degrading the air quality.
In his keynote speech at the roundtable discussion, Shahriar Ahmed Chowdhury, director of Center for Energy Research (CER) of United International University; emphasized on proper research on renewable energy.
He said, “Renewable energy in Bangladesh has immense potential but there are also some challenges. Among the renewable energy sources, the main sources are solar and wind turbines, which should be exploited through proper research. We can reach the 40% renewable energy target by 2041 and we have to work towards achieving it.”
Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), World Vision Bangladesh, Dhaka International University (DIU), Poribesh Uddyog, Waterkeepers Bangladesh and Bangladesh Nature Conservation Alliance (BNCA) jointly arranged the roundtable discussion in the seminar room of Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) in the capital on Saturday (June 17).
Professor Dr. Ahmed Kamruzzaman Majumder, chairman of CAPS and head of the Environmental Science dept of Stamford University Bangladesh; chaired the event, while Sharif Jamil, coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh; was present as the chief guest and Md. Zakir Hossain, director (admin) of Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) attended as special guest. Manju Maria Palma, deputy director of World Vision Bangladesh; Sohanur Rahman, executive coordinator of YouthNet for Climate Justice; and Muhammad Anowarul Hoque, member Secretary of Bangladesh Nature Conservation Alliance (BNCA) and secretary general of Save Our Sea; took part in the discussion.
Professor Dr. Gulshan Ara Latifa, former president of Bangladesh Zoology Association; Mahmuda Parveen, assistant professor at the Department of Environmental Science at Stamford University Bangladesh; and Mahmuda Islam, a senior lecturer at the same department; also spoke on the occasion, among others.
In his speech, Professor Dr. Ahmed Kamruzzaman Majumder mentioned the danger of air pollution and said that clean air is the right of people but the residents of Dhaka city are deprived of this right. The burning of biofuels is releasing toxic gases into the air which is degrading the air quality. So, if fossil fuels are phased out and renewables are ensured, clean air and fuel security will be ensured for all.
Speaking as the chief guest, Sharif Jamil said that energy is a strategic commodity. The energy security is currently under threat due to lack of sustainable renewable energy and reliance on fossil fuels. There is no substitute for renewable energy in energy security. On the other hand, we have to remember that while providing energy security, the environment should not be damaged, he added.
He also said that fossil fuels are responsible for 70 percent of the causes of climate change. All levels should be aware of this.
Manju Maria Palma said that the use of renewable energy has become an essential issue in protecting the balance of the environment. Along with the government, private and development aid organizations should come forward in this regard.
Sohanur Rahman said that there is no alternative to expanding renewable energy to combat climate change and ensure sustainable energy security as well as clean air.
Muhammad Anowarul Hoque said that expansion of renewable energy is very important to protect the nature. Thermal power plants and coal power plants in coastal areas are very threatening to the environment. Energy security should also be given special attention to protect the balance of the marine environment, he added.
Mahmuda Parveen said that the improvement of air quality is not possible without reducing the use of renewable energy.
Mahmuda Islam said that fossil fuels are one of the causes of air pollution and other environmental pollution. And this alternative to fossil fuels should be expanded not only in the electricity sector, but also in the transport sector.
