Call for global solidarity to ensure energy security and climate justice
There is no alternative to reducing fossil fuel dependency and transitioning to sustainable and renewable energy to address the crisis that has arisen in the energy sector due to the current global instability and war situation. Speakers discussed these issues at a discussion on ‘Global Instability: Ways to Ensure Energy Security and Climate Justice’ jointly organized by Dhara, Waterkeepers Bangladesh (WKB), Asian People’s Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD) and Fossil Fuel Treaty (FFT) Initiative at a hotel on Saturday morning.in the city. In his speech as the chief guest, Member of Parliament for Narsingdi-5 Constituency Engineer Md. Ashraf Uddin (Bokul) said that integrated planning is very important as the issue of energy and environment is related to multiple ministries. He mentioned that due to lack of proper planning and supervision in setting up power plants, environmental pollution and economic losses are occurring, especially citing the example of the Rampal project. He highlighted the potential of solar power and said that thousands of megawatts of electricity can be generated by using the country's vast unused rooftops and industrial sites. At the same time, he emphasized on energy conservation and generating electricity from waste. He said that the use of alternative systems should be increased in the industrial sector to save gas and fuel. He urged the government to take practical and integrated initiatives to ensure sustainable development in the energy sector.River Bangla Editor and Dhara member Faisal Ahmed delivered the opening speech under the chairmanship of 'Dhara' co-convener MS Siddiqui. Keynote speakers were Donna Lisenby, CEO of Riverfox Environmental from the United States, Lidy Nakpil, Coordinator of APMDD from the Philippines, and Sharif Jamil, Coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh.In a discussion on ‘Impact of War on the Energy Sector’, Donna Lisenby, CEO of Riverfox Environmental, highlighted the serious risks and instability to the global energy supply system due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. She said that the damage to energy infrastructure due to war is causing major disruptions to global oil and gas supplies, which will have a greater impact on developing countries including South Asia. In the discussion, she emphasized the need for a rapid transition to renewable energy to reduce the risk of energy dependence. Stating that domestic gas and coal are not an immediate solution, she sees the emphasis on a rapid transition to renewable energy, especially the establishment of solar hubs in Rampal, Payra and Matarbari areas, as a long-term solution. At the same time, he called for global cooperation and fair policies to ensure energy security.
In his speech on ‘Energy Security and Climate Justice’, APMDD Coordinator Lidi Nakpil said that the current global energy crisis is affecting countries in the Global South the most. He noted that the disruption of oil and gas supplies due to the conflict in the Middle East has increased pressure on developing countries. He warned that dependence on fossil fuels is exacerbating the economic, social and humanitarian crisis. In this situation, he highlighted the urgent need for a rapid and fair transition to renewable energy. He said that this transition is not only related to climate, but also to energy security and human survival. At the same time, he emphasized the need to ensure climate finance according to the ‘fair share’ of developed countries.Sharif Jamil, on the ‘Environmental and Social Impact of Bangladesh’s Energy Transition’, said that rapidly expanding renewable energy using additional land acquired from existing power projects can ensure energy security in the long term and provide security to people even during crises caused by war. He warned that pollution from the Rampal power plant is having a serious negative impact on the Sundarbans, fisheries and local livelihoods. The power projects in the Payra and Patuakhali regions are threatening the Hilsa breeding grounds and marine ecosystems, and unplanned dredging and infrastructure development are economically unsustainable and pose a risk of major damage. He expressed concern that fossil fuel-based industrialization in the Matarbari region could threaten the country’s salt production and food security. He urged the government to take effective steps to quickly transition to renewable energy to protect the environment and livelihoods.
The event was addressed as special guests by Additional Director General of the Department of Environment Md. Ziaul Haque, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh Farah Kabir, Asia Campaigner of the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative Mega Maski, Chairman of Bright Green Energy Foundation Deepal Barua and Executive Director of CPRD Md. Shamsuddoha. The speakers emphasized the need to reform the legal and policy framework to shift away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy.
