Take steps to improve air quality, promote renewable energy: speakers

The government needs to promote renewable energy to improve the country's air quality, especially in cities and other urban areas, said speakers at a press conference today.

Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), Bangladesh Resource Center for Indigenous Knowledge (Barcik) and World Vision Bangladesh jointly organised the press conference demanding steps to "improve air quality and promote renewable energy" at Dhaka Reporters Unity in the capital, said a press release.

In a keynote speech, CAPS Founding Chairman Prof Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder said use of renewable energy plays an important role in both air quality and energy development.

Fossil fuel use is constantly increasing the amount of greenhouse gas emission, which can cause massive deterioration of air quality, he said.

Increasing use of renewable energy and reducing fossil fuel dependency can be an effective solution to address challenges related to air quality, he added.

Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa) Joint Secretary Mihir Biswas urged the government's power division and Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority to promote renewable energy in the country.

Dominic Sentu Gomes, technical coordinator (urban programme) of World Vision Bangladesh, said living in clean air is the right of every people and that it is the government's responsibility to ensure this.

Barcik Coordinator Jahangir Alam said the government should take initiatives to control air pollution by identifying the sources.

Among others, Prof Adil Mohammed Khan, executive director of Institute for Planning and Development, spoke at the press conference.