Fighting climate change

Despite being at the forefront of the climate crisis, we have largely ignored the threat of climate change. As a result, Bangladesh is already experiencing the negative effects of climate change. It is threatening our ecology, agricultural productivity, food security, infrastructure, water availability and human health. Natural calamities, such as rising sea levels and temperatures, have been affecting us every year. Earlier in the year, Bangladesh encountered record heat waves. Temperatures skyrocketed to more than 45 degree Celsius. This was followed by heavy rains and devastating floods. Had the authorities concerned taken timely action to inform people about climate-related emergencies and provided them with the proper apparatus to cope with such a situation, we could have avoided much of the destruction.

As many as 65 per cent people in Bangladesh live in rural regions. Most of them rely mainly on agriculture for their living. Agriculture is the foundation of our economy and a significant source of employment for our populous nation. It is, however, especially susceptible to climate change's effects. Our agriculture must cope with a series of disasters brought in by global warming and climate change. The government's budget to address climate change and natural disasters seems to be insufficient. Here, it is up to the authorities to take the necessary steps to facilitate the introduction of eco-friendly and durable products like Sonali Bag, a biodegradable jute bag, to our everyday life. Instead of haphazardly establishing weak roads, the government should also build climate-resilient infrastructure. In doing so, it must seek the assistance and support of international organisations and Western countries that are primarily responsible for climate change. The people should also cut down on vehicular emissions, avoid deforestation, and plant trees. Everyone needs to act to save the country from future calamities.

Nazmul Islam Joy,

Student of the Department of Management,

School of Business and Economics,

North South University, Dhaka,

nazmulislamjoy1234@gmail.com