By Banuka Nimsith Wickramasinghe
During my internship at NORCAP, I had the unique opportunity to work on a variety of environmental projects and gain insights into Norway’s advanced environmental strategies. From making country briefs and organizing materials for international workshops to exploring the energy landscape in Mauritania, I immersed myself in the real-world applications of sustainable practices. What struck me most was the contrast between Norway’s highly developed environmental framework and the challenges faced in my homecountry, Sri Lanka.
Norway’s Environmental Practices:
Norway stands out as a global leader in renewable energy, particularly in wind and hydropower. Their commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable energy solutions is evident not only in policy but in everyday practice. One of the standout moments during my internship was witnessing how Norway’s energy strategy, backed by strong governance and public-private collaboration, translates into real-world results. For example, their use of renewable energy in remote areas reduces reliance on fossil fuels, a stark contrast to Sri Lanka, where energy access remains uneven, particularly in coastal areas affected by climate displacement.
Sri Lanka’s Environmental Challenges:
In Sri Lanka, environmental degradation is exacerbated by climate change and economic challenges. Coastal communities, in particular, suffer from rising sea levels and extreme weather events. While efforts have been made to introduce renewable energy solutions, such as solar microgrids and bioenergy systems, scaling these initiatives remains difficult due to economic limitations and inconsistent policy support. Assessing Renewable Energy’s Role in Enhancing Climate Resilience: As part of my internship project, I am focusing on assessing how renewable energy solutions, such as solar microgrids, wind turbines, and bioenergy systems, can enhance the resilience of Sri Lankan coastal communities displaced byclimate change. This research explores the effectiveness of these technologies in reducing environmental degradation, improving energy security, and supporting sustainable development in vulnerable regions. By analyzing both socio-economic and environmental impacts, my study aims to offer insights into how renewable energy interventions can strengthen the climate resilience of communities struggling with frequent displacement.
Lessons Learned and Skills Gained:
Throughout my internship, I learned the importance of efficient project management, attention to detail, and collaborative efforts in tackling complex environmental issues. Working on tasks like creating reports for missions in Mauritania or organizing badges for international workshops gave me hands-on experience in balancing global perspectives with local realities. The emphasis on data-driven decision-making in Norway hasinspired meto advocatefor stronger environmental policies in Sri Lanka, grounded in both local needs and global standards.
Future Aspirations and Call to Action:
Looking ahead, I aspire to bridge the gap between policy and practice in Sri Lanka, promoting renewable energy as a key solution to the environmental challenges faced by coastal communities. The lessons I’ve learned in Norway have reinforced my belief that sustainable development is not only possible but essential. I urge readers to engage in eco-friendly practices and advocate for stronger climate policies in their communities. Together, we can drive meaningful change towards a more resilient and sustainable future