A youth awareness campaign on green cooling technology, aimed at tackling the climate crisis, took place at Stamford University Bangladesh in Dhaka. The programme was organized by YouthNet Global, supported by the German development agency GIZ’s Green Cooling Initiative (GCI III) and the Department of Environment, aimed to raise awareness about green technology at the university level and inspire students to become leaders in advocating for climate-friendly innovations.
This event brought together experts and students to discuss the importance of environmentally friendly cooling technologies and their role in combating climate change.
The event kicked off with a vibrant rally on Sunday (May 4), where students marched across the campus with banners and placards calling for the adoption of green cooling technologies and the ban on harmful refrigerants.
Following the rally, a discussion session was held at the university’s main auditorium. Mohammad Humayun Kabir, Assistant Professor of the Department of Environmental Science, emphasized the importance of educating and preparing students to address the climate crisis. “Our goal is to equip students with the knowledge and tools needed to confront these challenges,” he said.
Shanin Munthaha, Implementation Manager of GIZ’s Green Cooling Initiative, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the dangers of conventional refrigerants such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which are highly damaging to the climate. He stressed the urgent need to transition to natural refrigerants and sustainable cooling technologies.
Md. Ziaul Haque, Director of the Department of Environment, shared Bangladesh’s commitment to reducing the import of hydrochlorofluorocarbons by 97% by 2030 and gradually phasing out HFCs by 80% by 2045. “Public awareness is key to achieving these ambitious targets,” he stated.
A key feature of the event was a panel discussion on “Green Cooling: The Path to Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Development,” moderated by Farah Anzum from the Global Strategic Communication Council. Panelists included experts from various fields, including Professor Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, Dean of the Faculty of Science at Stamford University, and Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global.
The panelists discussed the significant role of refrigeration and air conditioning in global greenhouse gas emissions, with the sector currently responsible for about 10.5% of worldwide emissions. They warned that continued use of HFCs could lead to a global temperature increase of up to 0.4°C by 2100.
Green cooling technology, which integrates energy-efficient systems, natural refrigerants, and renewable energy-powered electricity, was presented as a solution to mitigate climate change. The panel emphasized that broad adoption of green cooling could contribute to creating a climate-resilient world for future generations.
During the event, the role of women in technical training and the importance of energy efficiency and green technology were also discussed. Panelists encouraged the use of energy-efficient air conditioning, the elimination of outdated units, the adoption of environmentally friendly refrigerants, and the design of buildings that reduce the need for air conditioning.
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, said, “Reducing carbon emissions is everyone’s responsibility today. This event is more than just a campaign; it is the beginning of a national movement. We want to foster a culture of sustainable cooling led by young people.”
The final segment of the program included group work, where students presented innovative ideas on how to integrate green cooling technology in homes, offices, and campuses. The event concluded with an interactive discussion between students and experts, where participants raised questions and engaged deeply with the subject matter.
Professor Dr. Moniruzzaman, Vice-Chancellor of Stamford University, was the chief guest at the event. He emphasized that solutions for a sustainable planet must stem from the classroom, communities, and youth leadership. “We cannot save the planet by simply replacing air conditioners. Green cooling is not just a technology; it is our generation’s responsibility,” he said.
Professor Dr. Md. Yunus Mia, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Stamford University, closed the event by emphasizing the need for universities to lead in this transformation. “Through research and innovation, young people can make a meaningful contribution to environmental protection,” he said.
