Imagine a South Asia, where the skies are clearer, and the air is fresher. But here’s the reality: the region stands at a crossroads. Vietnam’s CO2 emissions have soared, multiplying nearly 100-fold in just 30 years, while Bangladesh and Nepal are on a similar, although less steep, ascent. The cause? An age-old reliance on fossil fuels as the engine of economic growth.

Visuals paint a stark picture: a graph shows a red line for Vietnam, climbing sharply like a mountain trail, reaching over 3.5 metric tons of CO2 per capita. In contrast, Bangladesh and Nepal’s lines crawl at the bottom, a warning of what’s to come if the course remains unchanged. But what if we could bend these lines towards sustainability? The answer may lie in the power of the wind that fills our sails, the sun that graces our lands, and the water that flows through our rivers—renewable energy. Look across the globe: Denmark’s wind-powered wonder, Germany’s solar revolution, China’s leap into a solar future—they’ve shown us that the renewable path is not only possible, but also profitable.

Our journey doesn’t end here. With a blend of policy innovation, investment, and international cooperation, South Asia can pivot to a green future. Our recommendation is clear: it’s time for Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Nepal to harness their renewable potential, not just for the sake of our planet, but for the health, wealth, and prosperity of our people. In our hands lies the power to redefine our future. Let’s make it sustainable. Let’s make it green. Let’s make it now. Because when we change the way we power our lives, we power a brighter future for South Asia.