How youths are tackling climate change

Ever thought of combining your business ideas with environment-friendly manufacturing processes? Greenpreneurs of Bangladesh are doing the same thing. Their startup ideas not only serve the purpose of commercial success but also serve the environment by manufacturing eco-friendly products and green alternatives to typical popular products. According to IGI Global Scientific Publishing, a greenpreneur is an entrepreneur who focuses on businesses and initiatives that are environmentally sustainable, such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-tourism. In Bangladesh, while the term greenpreneur may not yet be widely recognised, its practice is slowly but surely gaining ground. Our greenpreneurs are expanding their businesses in the production of solar panels, biodiesel, jutewear, organic fertiliser, conducting eco-tourism-based businesses in our tourist destinations, etc.

Entrepreneurship is already a tough path in Bangladesh. Due to insufficient government incentives, bureaucratic hurdles, and political instability, many struggle to stay afloat. When it comes to green or eco-friendly enterprises, the challenges are even greater. For example, several youth-led startups have emerged that produce artisanal crafts from jute, fabric, and other eco-friendly materials to replace plastic-based products. Still the higher production costs and dominance of cheap plastic in the market make it difficult for these initiatives to scale.

Despite these odds, youths of Bangladesh remain somewhat undeterred. Being acutely aware of environmental degradation, they are innovating sustainable alternatives across sectors. Organic fertiliser production is slowly expanding, as young greenpreneurs work to educate farmers on the harmful effects of chemical fertilisers. Many are also venturing into sustainable agriculture to simultaneously address food security and farmer income. A notable case is the "Farmers' Hubs" initiative by Syngenta Foundation, which has engaged over 15,000 small farmers since 2011, resulting in a 34 per cent average income increase.

Another emerging success story comes from the clean energy sector. Startups are manufacturing affordable desalination systems to provide safe drinking water in coastal areas, while others are developing solar panels for off-grid communities. These innovations not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also bring essential services to marginalised populations. However, high production and installation costs remain a barrier to scaling up these technologies nationwide.

Urban sustainability is also drawing attention from young entrepreneurs. Initiatives around green architecture, rooftop gardening, and composting services are growing in cities like Dhaka and Chattogram. Although still small in scale, these businesses contribute to waste reduction and urban food security. Several delivery-based food startups are now adopting biodegradable packaging sourced from local materials, cutting down on single-use plastic.

One such green entrepreneurial venture making progress is Biotech Energy Limited, a youth-led biodiesel startup that transforms used cooking oil into low-emission fuel. They collect waste oil from outlets like KFC and convert it into biodiesel, which emits 30 per cent less carbon than traditional fossil fuels.

"Bangladesh generates a significant amount of used cooking oil and other waste oils that often end up polluting the environment," said the founder and CEO of Biotech Energy Limited Abdulla Al Hamid. "I was inspired by the idea that this waste could be turned into a clean, renewable energy source.The vision has always been to make our cities cleaner and contribute to a greener future for the next generation."

However, competing with cheap, non-renewable fuels such as diesel and octane remains difficult. "Our biodiesel is about 30 per cent more expensive than conventional diesel mainly because the environmental damage from fossil fuels isn't priced in," the founder explained. "In many countries, biofuel mandates exist that support renewable alternatives. Bangladesh lacks that framework, so our main customers are sustainability-minded businesses."

To stay afloat, Biotech Energy exports some of its feedstock to developed markets with stronger sustainability mandates. The founder remains hopeful that Bangladesh will soon adopt a national roadmap for biofuel use.

Balancing sustainability with affordability is another key concern. The startup continually works on improving production efficiency and securing steady feedstock. "Until proper policies are in place, our focus remains on clients who view carbon reduction not as a cost, but as a future investment," he said. "Our ultimate goal is to make biodiesel accessible to everyone, not just as a premium option."

Green entrepreneurship is also making an impact in eco-tourism. Youth-led ventures have revitalised local economies in regions like the Sundarbans, which attracts nearly 500,000 tourists annually and contributes approximately US$ 50 million to the local economy. A Bangladesh Tourism Board study found that eco-tourism initiatives there have helped reduce deforestation by 35 per cent and wildlife poaching by 25 per cent.

These young changemakers are proving that environmental and economic sustainability can move together. While most of their ventures are still small or emerging, they are introducing new models of development that prioritise long-term impact. However, limited access to financing, lack of research facilities, and absence of national green enterprise policies continue to hold back broader expansion.

The commitment of Bangladesh's youths to combat climate change -- through green technology, sustainable products, and eco-friendly practices -- is part of a growing shift in how development is being imagined. Their work not only benefits the environment but also creates opportunities for local employment and innovation. The future of sustainable entrepreneurship in Bangladesh depends on how this momentum is supported, both by the market and by policy.

Sheikh Shabab Tawkee Rupok is studying at the Department of Development Studies, University of Dhaka and Zuhaer Ahnaf Talha is studying at the Department of Public Administration, University of Dhaka.

Email: rupok.du.ds@gmail.com, ahnaftalha64@gmail.com