Climate activists demand end to fossil fuels, push for renewables

Climate activists in Dhaka took to the streets today to protest against the use of fossil fuels and demanded a renewable energy-based master plan for the country's energy sector.

It is high time to end using expensive and harmful fossil fuels, they said while participating at a human chain organised by "YouthNet for Climate Justice" in front of the National Press Club.

YouthNet for Climate Justice Programme Coordinator SZ Opu said, "Our primary demand is to amend the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan to align with climate commitments. We want a sustainable and climate-friendly master plan based on renewable energy sources."

He further called for the cancellation of unconditional financial debt for developing countries and criticised the inaction and false promises of developed nations and multinational corporations in addressing climate change.

Sohanur Rahman, executive director of the organisation, said, "The IEPMP must prioritise Bangladesh's interests, not those of others. The latest plan places undue emphasis on hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon capture and storage technologies. While solar and wind power are proven renewable technologies and have seen recent growth, their share remains relatively small. In this context, the youth are rejecting fake solutions and calling for progress towards a master plan based on energy transition."

Meanwhile, in a written statement expressing solidarity with the young climate activists, Centre for Policy Dialogue Research Director Khandakar Golam Moazzem, said, "By prioritising fossil fuels and 'fake solutions' like hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon capture in the current IEPMP, the government is creating obstacles to Bangladesh's energy transition and putting the country's economic potential and environmental future at risk."

Climate activists have urged developed nations to take effective measures to ensure that multinational corporations cease investing in fossil fuels, in line with the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Professor Samia Salim, director of the Centre for Sustainable Development at the University of Liberal Arts, said, "Continued funding of fossil fuels perpetuates climate injustice, benefiting multinational companies while ordinary people suffer. It is time for banks and investors to move away from fossil fuels and prioritise a just transition to an energy system for all, ensuring climate justice."