Tackling climate change: promoting renewable energy

By Rashika Fazali

Parliamentarians from all over the world will meet today and over the coming weekend in Wadduwa to discuss and tackle the issues of climate change by promoting renewable energy.

Organised by the Climate Parliament, an initiative by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), it will feature parliamentarians from South Africa, India, UK, Bangladesh, Tanzania, Congo Brazzaville, Senegal, Lebanon, Tunisia, Morocco and Sri Lanka.

As climate change is constantly affecting the world and is considered a real threat, this meeting will focus on regional electricity trading and the potential of sustainable investment for cutting carbon emissions, fighting poverty and driving economic growth in South Asia and across the world. Speaking on the initiatives and goals of the Climate Parliament at a press conference held at Galle Face Hotel yesterday, UNDP Asia-Pacific Regional Centre Regional Technical Specialist Butchaiah Gadde noted that there are three objectives in ensuring sustainable energy for all.

First, measures should be taken to ensure universal access to modern energy services. Due to lack of electricity, relying on wood, coal or charcoal can result in breathing in toxic smoke which could cause lung diseases.

Secondly, measures should be taken in doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. This can only have good results for the public and the government – job opportunities, economic growth and improved energy security. The final measure is finding means to double the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

Climate Parliament Chairman Sir Graham Watson addressing the conference stated, “One of the solutions for improving access to energy in South Asia is the development of a ‘supergrid’ – a network of electricity superhighways that would link up wind, solar and hydropower plants and allow energy trading between regional neighbours, to provide reliable and 100% renewable electricity for all. But a supergrid needs multilateral action from governments across the region.” Countries such as Bangladesh and India have made progress towards the renewable energy transition. India has raised its renewable energy target from 6.4% to 15%, and the 15% is included in India’s national Five Year Plan.

Advisor to the Minster of Power and Energy Asoka Abeygunawardana noted: “In Sri Lanka, we have witnessed three monsoons and heavy droughts. Our reservoirs have been empty and then there were unexpected rainfalls. From the Sri Lankan side, we have to tackle this issue.”