Balancing growth and sustainability: Tackling Sri Lanka’s carbon footprint for economic resilience
View(s):Sri Lanka stands at a crossroads where the pursuit of economic development must harmonize with environmental sustainability. As the nation grapples with challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and economic recovery, reducing its carbon footprint has become a critical priority to ensure long-term resilience.
The challenge of the carbon footprint
A.W.D.N. Amarathunga
The overall amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions brought on by activities, whether directly or indirectly, is known as a carbon footprint. Industries including industry, transportation, energy, and agriculture all make substantial contributions to Sri Lanka. Emissions have been steadily increasing due to the dependence on fossil fuels for energy, urbanisation, and rising consumer demand.
Methane production from livestock and paddy farming makes agriculture, the backbone of Sri Lanka’s economy, a significant emitter. Similar to this, the industrial sector uses inefficient energy and antiquated manufacturing techniques to increase emissions. These tendencies have the potential to worsen environmental deterioration, affect public health, and obstruct sustainable economic progress if they are not stopped.
Impact of climate inaction on the economy
The economy of Sri Lanka is at serious jeopardy if carbon emissions are not addressed. Droughts and floods brought on by climate change are already interfering with infrastructure and agriculture. In addition to endangering livelihoods, these occurrences put a burden on public resources and impede economic growth.
Furthermore, low-carbon economies are becoming more and more popular on global markets. Businesses and nations that don’t implement sustainable practices run the danger of losing out on international trade, foreign investment, and tourism-related income. This would mean economic stagnation for Sri Lanka, a country that depends mostly on exports and tourism.
Possibilities for a green economy
Sri Lanka has a rare chance to boost its economy and protect the environment by implementing a low-carbon growth plan. Important actions consist of:
1. Making the Switch to Renewable Energy: Putting money into hydropower, wind, and solar energy can help cut down on reliance on fossil fuels. The geographical location of Sri Lanka offers a wealth of renewable energy possibilities that can be used to responsibly meet the country’s expanding energy needs.
2. Encouraging Sustainable Agriculture: Precision agriculture methods, organic farming, and a decrease in the use of chemical fertilisers can all reduce emissions while increasing productivity.
3. Modernising Transportation: Emissions can be greatly reduced by encouraging electric vehicles (EVs) and growing public transportation networks. This change will be accelerated by policies that encourage the adoption of EVs and build the required infrastructure.
4. Green Manufacturing Practices: Promoting the use of energy-efficient technologies by companies
Community involvement and policy
Strong legislative backing and engaged community involvement are necessary to strike a balance between sustainability and growth. Enforcing environmental standards, providing incentives for green activities, and developing clear legislation are all critical functions of the government. Educating the public about the advantages of sustainable living and motivating people and companies to lessen their carbon footprint are equally crucial.
A way to become resilient
There are obstacles in Sri Lanka’s path to a sustainable future. Nonetheless, the shift to a low-carbon economy offers a chance to revaluate development goals, strengthen the country’s ability to withstand climate challenges, and establish it as a regional leader in sustainability.
Sri Lanka can address its carbon footprint and clear the path for a more sustainable and prosperous future by striking a balance between growth and sustainability. For the sake of future generations, the economy, and the environment, action must be taken now.
Certifications endorsing Sri Lanka’s carbon footprint reduction
Environmental sustainability is promoted in Sri Lanka via a number of certifications and initiatives that help businesses measure, control, and lower their carbon footprints. Among these, noteworthy are:
1. Certification under ISO 14064: The framework for measuring and disclosing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is provided by this international standard to organisations. The National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC) helps enterprises understand and reduce their emissions by providing verification services that are in line with ISO 14064-3.
2. ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Certification: This accreditation helps businesses handle their environmental obligations in a methodical manner. In Sri Lanka, Bureau Veritas offers ISO 14001 certification, assisting businesses in improving operational management and minimising their negative environmental effects.
3. NCPC’s Eco Labelling Programme: Sri Lanka’s first national programme for certifying green products, this programme encourages industries to adopt sustainable practices by certifying products that meet environmental standards.
4. Sri Lanka Climate Fund (SLCF) Certifications: Under the Ministry of Environment, SLCF helps businesses become carbon neutral by providing services including carbon footprint assessments and greenhouse gas verification.
5. ISCC PLUS accreditation: This accreditation emphasises supply chains’ reduction of GHG emissions and sustainability. In order to assist industries in meeting global sustainability standards, SGS Sri Lanka offers ISCC PLUS audits.
6. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPD): SGS Sri Lanka provides services in LCA and EPD, allowing businesses to evaluate the environmental effects of their goods across the course of their life cycles, fostering sustainability and transparency.
In addition to helping industries lower their carbon footprints, these certifications increase their competitiveness in international markets where sustainability is becoming more and more important.
There are opportunities as well as challenges in Sri Lanka’s path to a resilient and sustainable future. The country can reshape its economic trajectory while preserving its natural legacy by embracing cutting-edge technologies, investing in renewable energy, and emphasising green habits. To realise this vision, the combined efforts of individuals, businesses, and legislators are crucial.
The legacy that is left for future generations will depend on the decisions made now. In the face of climatic hardship, Sri Lanka can become a paradigm for peaceful development by reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainability. By working together, we can turn obstacles into possibilities and clear the path for a more successful and environmentally friendly future.
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