The six sectors listed below are globally—and nationally—recognized as the primary sources of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O). These sectors are consistently prioritized in GHG Inventories, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, and IPCC Climate Reports.
The largest source of CO₂ emissions worldwide, primarily from the combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas for electricity generation and heating. In Bangladesh, fossil-fuel-based power plants and diesel generators are major contributors.
Emissions stem from petrol and diesel-based vehicles, ships, and aircraft. In Bangladesh, rapid urbanization, traffic congestion, and a dependency on diesel-run public transport pose serious challenges.
While direct CO₂ emissions are lower, agriculture emits potent GHGs like methane (CH₄) from livestock and nitrous oxide (N₂O) from chemical fertilizers and rice paddies—both significantly more harmful than CO₂. Key contributors include rice farming, cattle rearing, and agrochemical use.
High-emission industries include cement, steel, brick kilns, textile, and manufacturing units. Most operate using outdated, carbon-intensive technologies, contributing heavily to national emissions.
Uncontrolled landfills, open waste burning, and improper disposal methods release methane, CO₂, and toxic gases. Rapid urban growth and inadequate waste infrastructure make this a rising threat in Bangladeshi cities.
Urban growth contributes significantly through: • Deforestation, reducing natural CO₂ absorption • Building emissions, from inefficient energy use in homes, offices, and commercial spaces • Consumption-driven emissions, such as fast fashion, plastic use, air travel, and overproduction Together, these lifestyle and infrastructure trends have created a carbon-heavy urban footprint, especially in metropolitan regions like Dhaka and Chattogram.
These sectors are not only the core drivers of emissions in Bangladesh, but also represent key leverage points for targeted climate action—through clean energy, electric transport, regenerative agriculture, green industries, sustainable urban planning, and behavioral shifts.