Ekramul Kabi, Khulna

World Environment Day is celebrated every year on the 5th of June and aims to raise awareness and celebrate environmental action.

On the eve of World Environment Day, 4th June, Dhruba, Coastal Livelihood And Environmental Action Network (CLEAN), and Bangladesh Working Group on Ecology and Development (BWGED) jointly organized a diversified campaign mobilization in Khulna City.

At the event, the organizers demanded the restoration of nature by reducing Carbon Emissions from Fossil Fuel Power Plants. They also demanded to stop LNG imports and use as it harms the environment and economy. Implementing the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan (MCPP) and restoring nature by reducing carbon emissions from fossil fuel power plants were among the demands.

Fossil fuel power plants significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, driving climate change and threatening ecosystems worldwide. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, Dhruba, CLEAN and BWGED are spearheading efforts to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration with CSOs, we are working towards phasing out fossil fuel dependency and embracing renewable energy alternatives. Environmental activists of these organizations referred to the Rupsha 800- MW Combined Cycle LNG Power Plant as a “Carbon Bomb” if it comes to commercial operation. It will emit 950g of CO2 per kWh, 117,979.6 tonnes of CO2 per year, and 2.59 million tonnes in its lifetime.

They also added that the power plant will create an LNG lock-in, delaying the energy transition process in the long run. In alignment with this year's theme of "Ecosystem Restoration," we are taking decisive action to mitigate the impact of carbon emissions from fossil fuel power plants.

The speakers of the event demanded reducing the social, environmental and economic impacts of the Rupsha 800 -MW Combined Cycle Power Plant by maintaining the International standard of ecological issues, especially CO2 emissions, as well as ensuring proper human rights of the workers and surroundings.

Ensuring fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe working conditions must be ensured. Women should have an active role in decision-making processes regarding power plant operations, ensuring their concerns and needs are addressed and their reproductive health issues must be considered. From sustainable energy initiatives to policy advocacy and community-led conservation efforts, these organizations are committed to driving meaningful change at local, national, and global levels.

Fossil fuel power plants have long been a significant contributor to carbon emissions, exacerbating climate change and threatening the health and well-being of communities worldwide. Recognizing the profound impact of this crisis, these activists are spearheading efforts to transition towards clean, renewable energy sources while safeguarding the rights of affected communities.

"We believe that restoring nature is not just an environmental imperative but a moral obligation to future generations," said Rekha Maria Bairagi, Executive Director of Dhruba. "By taking decisive action to reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuel power plants, we can protect precious ecosystems, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and build a more sustainable future for all.

In this seminar, there were guests from Raju Francis baroi, Neetu Sarkar, assistant professor Uttam Das, Rekha Maria Boiragi Executive director, DHRUBA, Khulna. As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change and protect our planet's biodiversity, the unified force of these three organizations proudly announced its commitment to keep demanding the restoration of nature.