Electric cars will play a major role in combating climate change
Climate change has been a hot topic of discussion around the world for several years. People in different countries of the world have started to suffer in various ways due to climate change.
Bangladesh is at the top of the risk-prone regions that will be most affected by the effects of climate change. Despite various initiatives to tackle climate change, there are concerns about their sufficiency.
Bangladesh has started to feel the effects of climate change very acutely for several years. For example, the timing of the country’s seasonal cycle is changing. Even in urban areas, no other season is felt as strongly as summer.
The people of Bangladesh are not able to keep up with the seasonal cycle. On the other hand, they have not yet had the opportunity to get used to these changing seasons. In addition, it is affecting the country’s agricultural system and livelihoods.
Climate change has increased the frequency of floods and cyclones in the country, while rising sea levels are making coastal soil and water more saline. Climate change is negatively affecting people’s lives, the environment, and the economy.
Climate change is mainly caused by rising air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide and CFCs.
Black smoke from factories, dust from construction, unplanned urbanization, deforestation, and the use of fossil fuel vehicles are all contributing to rising air pollution and carbon emissions.
To combat climate change and reduce air pollution and carbon emissions, many countries are adopting renewable-fuel vehicles.
In this regard, the example of the European country Norway can be mentioned. The country has set a goal of reducing carbon emissions from cars to zero by this year. It is said that the country is very close to the goal. According to last year’s figures, more than 90 percent of Norway’s vehicles are electric (EVs) or renewable energy-based.
The conventional transport sector in Bangladesh plays a significant role in greenhouse gas emissions. This problem has become more pronounced, especially in big cities like Dhaka, due to traffic congestion. However, in this case, carbon emissions can be reduced to a large extent through electric vehicles.
Using electric vehicles (EVs) nearly eliminates harmful emissions, significantly helping to reduce air pollution and combat climate change. At the same time, it is much more efficient than non-renewable fuels.
Batteries of electric vehicles (EVs) can be charged using renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines. This also reduces economic pressure as it reduces dependence on fuel oil. As a result, it can be an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way in the long run.
To promote this effective method of fighting climate change, we need to influence policy-making. EVs have significantly contributed to Norway’s goal of zero carbon emissions from cars. But in this case, government policies were also helpful in meeting this goal.
Examples include tax and VAT exemptions, road tax relief, simplifying vehicle documentation, toll-free travel in certain cases, and government incentives for building charging stations.
Bangladesh has also decided to make 30 percent of the country’s total vehicles electric by 2030. But we are currently far from implementing this decision. How will people be encouraged to make eco-friendly choices if fuel-dependent vehicles and electric vehicles have similar tax and policy rules?
The government also needs policy support for infrastructure development, such as setting up charging stations. To increase the use of EVs in the country, we need to focus on raising awareness. Although electric vehicle manufacturers are working to make people aware.
But this effort will not be enough without government support. Collaboration between the government and private institutions can help us address the negative impacts of climate change. The initial cost may seem high, but choosing this eco-friendly option will benefit sustainability in the long run.
The use of electric vehicles can be an effective step to deal with the adverse effects of climate change. By increasing the use of EVs in Bangladesh, we can build an environmentally friendly and sustainable future.
