Climate change calls for concerted response

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GLOBAL temperature-rise by one degree celsius (C) to 6oC in the next 50 to 100 years due to climate change, predicted by scientists, could affect foodgrains production especially in poorer countries as every 1oC rise in temperature can reduce global wheat production by four to five millions tonnes.
This could result in freshwater scarcity, glacier melting, inundation of coastal areas, increased incidents of vector-borne diseases, and more frequent floods and drought. Bangladesh would be vulnerable to the effects.
Programmes to respond to climate change have drawn the government's attention. Resultant changes in temperature and humidity are likely to affect production and quality of vegetables, fruits, 'basmati' rice and medicinal plants in northern regions of Asia. Crops like tea, coffee and spices in the southern regions would face a similar fate. Climate change would impact the Indus, Brahmaputra and Ganges basins. Glaciers melting could result in sea level-rise.
The outlook calls for national as well as regional response to minimise the possible negative consequences.
Shahidul Alam
Hatirjheel
Dhaka