Decarbonizing Bangladesh: The Roles of Technological Innovation, Energy Transition, and Urban-Industrial Dynamics in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

As Bangladesh undergoes rapid industrialization and urbanization, managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has emerged as a critical environmental challenge. This study investigates the effects of technological innovation, industrial development, energy consumption patterns (renewable and nonrenewable), and urbanization on emissions using an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach applied to time series data from 1991 to 2021. The empirical results reveal that industrial activities and rapid urbanization in Bangladesh significantly increase emissions due to a heavy reliance on fossil fuels. Conversely, technological advancements and greater integration of renewable energy contribute to emission reductions. The findings underscore the necessity of adopting cleaner technologies, sustainable industrial practices, and environmentally conscious urban planning to transition toward a low-carbon economy. Policy recommendations include fostering green innovation, expanding renewable energy infrastructure, regulating industrial emissions, and enhancing urban efficiency. This research offers valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to align Bangladesh’s development trajectory with global climate goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).