As the world desperately seeks ways to escape the dire consequences of climate change, “zero carbonization”—or net zero carbon emissions—has emerged as a central issue in global discourse. Since the Industrial Revolution, carbon dioxide concentrations in our planet’s atmosphere have been rising relentlessly, pushing global warming to dangerous new levels. In this context, countries across the spectrum—developed, developing, and least developed—are now compelled to adopt policies aimed at achieving net zero emissions. But the question remains: has Bangladesh truly become a meaningful participant in this global journey, or are its commitments merely policy declarations meant to appease international donors?
Zero carbonization refers to a process in which a country or institution offsets the amount of greenhouse gases it emits by removing an equivalent amount from the atmosphere, thereby achieving net-zero emissions. Realizing this goal requires an integrated environmental policy, a sustainable energy strategy, and widespread public awareness. It is not a standalone initiative; rather, it demands a comprehensive transformation that encompasses energy, agriculture, industry, transportation, and urban planning—essentially all layers of national development strategy.
Many developed nations have already announced specific timelines to achieve net-zero emissions. The European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea aim to achieve this by 2050. China has committed to achieving net zero by 2060. Even Saudi Arabia has announced a 2060 target under its “Green Initiative.” In comparison, Bangladesh’s position largely remains confined to pledges. Although the country, under the Paris Climate Accord, has committed to reducing carbon emissions by 21.8% by 2030, serious doubts remain about how realistically this target can be achieved.
A peculiar contradiction characterizes Bangladesh’s energy management landscape. On the one hand, we see ambitious plans for renewable energy; on the other, there is continued reliance on coal-based power plants and LNG imports. The government has set a goal to elevate Bangladesh to developed-nation status by 2041, with electricity and industrial growth as key drivers. However, if these sectors remain fossil-fuel-dependent, reaching the net-zero target will remain a distant dream.
While Bangladesh accounts for only 0.47% of global carbon emissions, it ranks among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Every year, millions of people are displaced due to cyclones, floods, river erosion, and salinity. The country’s southern regions are becoming increasingly uninhabitable. Unfortunately, these realities are inadequately reflected in our climate policy. Instead, deforestation, wetland encroachment, and river grabbing continue unabated under the banner of development. A visionary transformation like zero carbonization is only possible when development and environmental protection are treated as complementary—not conflicting—goals.
However, this responsibility is not the government’s alone. The nature of our economy, industrialization, and urbanization also plays a crucial role. Take Dhaka as a symbolic example. It is one of the most polluted cities in the world. The dominance of private vehicles, emissions from buses and trucks, unregulated waste management, and a severe lack of greenery have turned the capital into a living disaster. Yet, with the right steps—such as introducing electric vehicles, urban afforestation, solar energy expansion, and waste-to-energy initiatives—Dhaka could have become a model net-zero city.
The Government of Bangladesh has indeed undertaken some notable initiatives, such as the “Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan” and the “BONDHON Project.” However, these efforts suffer from a serious lack of coordination. Inter-ministerial cooperation is virtually nonexistent. Local government institutions remain under-empowered, and there is a glaring lack of transparency and accountability in the use of climate funds. Moreover, private sector participation is still limited due to the absence of supportive policies. Yet this very sector could become the primary investor in green technology and renewable energy.
To achieve the goal of zero carbonization, we must enforce strong environmental laws. A zero-tolerance policy against polluting industries, mandatory implementation of green taxes, adherence to green building codes, and adoption of internationally established models such as carbon trading have become urgent priorities. Additionally, our education system must promote climate awareness, the media must play a constructive role, and citizens must actively participate. Climate policies must not remain confined to conference papers—they must be translated into real developmental strategies through strong policy frameworks and genuine political will.
The time has come to end the “development versus environment” debate and to embrace the concept of “environment-based development.” This is not just an ethical responsibility—it is economically viable and strategically prudent. As the world races toward net-zero carbon by 2050, any delay by Bangladesh would not only bring economic consequences but could also threaten our very existence. To remain connected to the global supply chain, attract foreign investment, and retain export markets, environmentally sustainable policies have become a necessity.
Bangladesh now stands at a crossroads. One path leads to a resource-exhaustive, pollution-prone development model reliant on fossil fuels. The other points toward an environmentally sound, green technology-based, renewable energy-driven development vision. While the first path may offer short-term economic gains, only the second can ensure long-term sustainable development.
Zero carbonization is not merely a promise for us—it is a horizon of possibilities. If we can align our politics, economy, and social systems with this vision, Bangladesh will no longer be seen solely as a climate victim. It could emerge as a resilient, innovative, and environmentally forward-thinking nation. There is no more time for delay. The change must begin now—today, at this very moment.
The writer is an Assistant Professor & Head, Department of Sociology, Rosey Mozammel Women’s Honors College.