Abstract:
Sri Lanka’s current carbon footprint is much less than the global indicates but
according to the Global Climate Risk Index 2019 rated Sri Lanka as the second
most affected country by extreme weather events. Burning fossil fuel for
energy generation and transportation is the main source of GHGs emissions
on climate change in Sri Lanka. Waste burning, industrial emissions, and
deforestation are also considered contributing the climate change. Thus, one
of the most effective ways of reducing emissions is to use renewable energy
sources. Accordingly, this study was carried out to evaluate the utilization of
renewable energy sources to reduce the contribution of GHGs on climate
change in Sri Lanka. Mainly secondary data were collected for this study. The
findings of the study reflected that as a middle – income country, Sri Lanka
has 80% renewable energy utilization as the most effective and sustainable
method of reducing GHGs emissions. Sri Lanka is prone to monsoon rain and
wind as a result of the tropical climate also. Therefore, as sunlight continues
throughout the year, Sri Lanka has access to renewable energy sources such
as sunlight, water, wind and ocean waves. In this condition, legal action plans,
target policies, eco-friendly associations, and the enthusiasm of the youth are
already underway to challenge the carbon footprint. According to the Sri
Lanka Energy Sector Development Plan, These include 20% renewable
energy use by 2020 and Sri Lanka as a self- sufficient country by 2030, 5%
reduction in fuel and fuel consumption in the transport and manufacturing
sectors, and 5% reduction in the energy sector by 2025. Thus, the utilization
of renewable energy is important to reduce GHGs.
