Signing Paris Agreement alone won't help - SL environmentalists

by Dhaneshi Yatawara

Promoting conventional electricity generation using coal power will scale down the possibility of international monetary assistance to the country, in its attempt to develop renewable energy technology, warned environmentalists.

Explaining the consequences, Executive Director of the Centre for Environment Justice Hemantha Withanage said to move away from conventional and dirty energy, Sri Lanka will have to depend on financial assistance from developed countries.

"We cannot hide behind carbon markets and other false solutions," Withanage said, commenting on the Government's interest in continuing with the Sampur coal power plant. He said moving towards renewable energy is vital to the country at this juncture.

"Coal power plants are being replaced by renewable energy throughout the world. Sri Lanka has more potential in generating electricity through solar, wind and tidal power," Withanage said.

"Merely signing the Paris Agreement without any substance on implementation and interest is insufficient.

"We cannot count on such an Agreement alone to achieve climate justice," said Climate Justice and Energy Coordinator of Friends of the Earth International, Sara Shaw, stressing the need for immediate action by all countries.