Colombo, April 5 (Daily Mirror) - Colonel Nalin Herath - Director General and Acting Director (Research) of the Institute of National Security Studies coming under the Ministry of Defence- said the governments in South Asia must prioritise investments in renewable energy, grid modernisation, and energy efficiency, while international cooperation and financial support are essential to help regions make this transition.
In a paper worked out by him, he said South Asia, home to over a billion people, faces significant challenges related to climate change, energy security, and regional stability. Col. Herath presented the paper at Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) organized climate security conference in Dhaka.
In a region marked by geopolitical tensions, resource scarcity, and vulnerability to climate-induced disasters, the transition to renewable energy offers an unprecedented opportunity to foster peace, promote sustainable development, and enhance climate security. This paper explores the potential of renewable energy such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal as catalysts for regional cooperation and conflict prevention in South Asia.
By providing equitable access to clean and affordable energy, renewable resources can mitigate energy insecurity, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and create opportunities for shared infrastructure and collaborative policy frameworks.
The study highlights successful regional energy initiatives, such as cross-border electricity grids and joint renewable energy projects and examines the geopolitical implications of energy trade among neighbouring countries.
According to him, the climate crisis and energy needs in South Asia present a complex and urgent challenge that requires immediate attention and action.
The region, which includes countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, experiencing rising temperatures, unpredictable monsoon patterns, and an increase in extreme weather events such as floods, heatwaves, and cyclones.
These changes threaten food security, water resources, and livelihoods, while rising sea levels pose a significant risk to coastal populations. Simultaneously, the region faces rapidly growing energy demands driven by economic development, population growth, and urbanization.
South Asia's heavy reliance on fossil fuels to meet these needs has exacerbated environmental degradation, leading to severe air pollution and increased greenhouse gas emissions. However, the region has significant potential for renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power, which could help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change. Transitioning to renewable energy presents challenges, including high initial costs and outdated energy infrastructure, but it offers a sustainable solution to meet energy needs while addressing environmental concerns.
To achieve this, governments in South Asia must prioritise investments in renewable energy, grid modernisation, and energy efficiency, while international cooperation and financial support are essential to help regions make this transition, according to the paper submitted by him.