The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Speakers at a seminar in the city said today's world was faced with two new challenges that may change its future with the skyrocketing price of conventional energy and its impact on climate change.

The seminar on "Alternative Energy and Climate Change" organised by the department of Mechanical Engineering of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) was held on Tuesday.

Prof Dr AMM Safiullah, Vice-Chancellor of BUET, spoke on the occasion as chief guest, while Prof Dr Abu Rayhan Md Ali, head of the Mechanical Engineering Department presided over it. Dr Hasna J Khan, Prokaushali Sangsad Limited present a keynote paper on 'Global Energy and Climate Change' as a guest speaker.

They said these extraordinary challenges were being experienced by the industrialised nations and developing countries in different dimensions. Impact on economic prosperity and development were alarming considering the supply and demand of conventional fuel, they added.

Most of the global warming in recent decades can be attributed to human activities especially through the use of fossil fuel for energy production, transportation and industries, they further said.

The speakers said, "World's climate changed caused by global warming will continue at a pace that is faster than predicted before. This long term warming trend posses serious risks to our economy and our environment. Although the industrialised countries are responsible for most of the emissions, the risks are greater to the poorer countries that will be far less able to cope with a changing climate. Countries can be hard hit with sea level rise, drought and natural calamities of un-usual proportion with change in ecology and many more."

VC Prof Safiullah said, "Energy crisis in now prevailing in the world. We have to face this problem. Pollution has increased due to use of energy. "