Earth Day today

The Earth Day is being observed today (April 22) across the globe through various programmes aimed at protecting the environment and maintaining natural balance. This year’s theme for the day is — “Our Power, Our Planet.”

On this day in 1970, Earth Day was first celebrated in the United States at the initiative of Senator Gaylord Nelson. Since then, Earth Day has been observed around the world to raise public awareness about environmental pollution, misuse of natural resources, and the climate crisis. Currently, this day is observed in more than 193 countries.

Climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, plastic pollution, and carbon emissions—these environmental crises have plunged the world into disaster. Bangladesh is no exception. In recent years, issues such as rising sea levels, natural disasters, irregular rainfall, reduced agricultural production, and increasing temperatures have become increasingly severe.

Bangladesh emits less than 0.5 percent of global greenhouse gases, yet the devastating impacts of climate change are most visible here. Around 90 percent of the country's electricity production still relies on fossil fuels.

As a way out of this situation, special emphasis is placed on the use of renewable energy. Sources such as solar, wind, and biofuel are environmentally friendly and economically beneficial in the long run.

In 2021, the Government of Bangladesh announced the "National Renewable Energy Policy." Under this policy, a target has been set to generate 10 percent of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030. To achieve this goal, measures such as tax exemptions, technology transfer, development of skilled manpower, and mandatory installation of solar panels are necessary.

Experts believe that there is immense potential for renewable energy in Bangladesh's coastal, char (river island), and hilly areas. Earth Day delivers the message of realising that potential and encourages active participation from everyone in protecting the environment.