US promoting clean energy in Bangladesh
US Ambassador James F Moriarty in a statement said the nations of the world are working hard right now to negotiate a new international agreement to combat the impacts of climate change, one of the greatest challenges facing the world today.
In Bangladesh, he said, the US government is promoting clean energy by partnering with the local NGO Grameen Shakti to increase access to renewable energy sources in rural areas.
The envoy said the US government, through USAID, is promoting solar energy, fuel-efficient stoves and biogas to reduce the use of imported petroleum products and deforestation. This reduces costs and improves air quality.
Moriarty said it is estimated that by 2012 about 500,000 solar home systems would be installed in remote areas, providing a source of clean energy to three million people.
In addition, the US government is supporting the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission to promote professionalism, accountability and transparency which would attract investment into clean energy generation.
He said the US government is helping Bangladesh conserve its tropical forest resources to mitigate the impacts of climate change as well as to empower poor rural communities to manage the resources.
He said major developing nations must take actions that would substantially reduce their emissions by 2020 on a relative basis, compared to their so-called “business as usual” path. There is no other way to contain climate change.
International Energy Agency estimates 97 percent of future emissions growth would come from the developing world.
Moriarty said other developing countries have a much different role to play. They should focus on preparing low-carbon growth plans -- with financial and technical assistance where needed -- to guide their longer-term development path.
The envoy said US President Barack Obama would speak to world leaders on global climate change during a special UN summit in New York on September 22 on the eve of the 64th session of the UN General Assembly.
He said the US president is taking the US in a new direction. The president called on the US Congress to develop comprehensive clean energy legislation to cut emissions 14 percent from 2005 levels and 83 percent in 2050.
A bill was passed in the House of Representatives and is making its way through Congress.
The president's economic stimulus package includes over $80 billion for clean energy.
The recently instituted vehicle standards would increase fuel economy and reduce emissions.
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