CEB’s coal obsession could see SL exit Paris Agreement

If the CEB’s plans to use coal for Sri Lanka’s long-term power generation are allowed to continue and the level of carbon emissions increase, Sri Lanka would be forced to leave the Paris Climate Agreement, said Dr. Ravi Fernando at the inauguration of the CPM Regional Management Conference 2018.

Speaking of the importance of a greener economy, Dr. Fernando gave facts about the reality of climate change and of extreme temperature increases and urged policymakers and business leaders to be part of the solution and not part of the problem in carrying the nation towards sustainable economic growth.

Dr. Fernando stated there’s scientific proof that the temperature gains are due to the burning of fossil fuels, thus the global investments in subsidising fossil fuel is $ 5.3 million per annum. Hence the endorsement of the long-term power generation plans of Sri Lanka pave the way for the increase of coal power and LNG plants which are both fossil fuels and does not coincide with the commitments Sri Lanka signed up for with the Paris Climate Agreement.

“It is similar to knowing sugar causes diabetics but encouraging sugar consumption. This is not the solution. We as a country are becoming part of the problem and are no longer part of the solution,” he said.

Urging policymakers and business owners to become part of the solution, Dr. Fernando suggested focusing on at least a few out of the 17 goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.

“We must move towards renewable energy sources, secure water, reforest and build business models that ensure sustainable consumption to create a sustainability footprint in the entire value chain,” he said.