[🇧🇩] Save the Rivers/Forests/Hills-----Save the Environment

[Krishna with Flute]

Pollution of Louhajang river continues

Within two months after being cleaned by 2,000 volunteers from “BD Clean,” the Louhajang River in Tangail has quickly reverted to its polluted state.

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Pollution of Louhajang river continues

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Pollution and encroachment continue unabated in Louhajang river as local authorities remain inactive. The 76-kilometre-long river, originating from the Dhaleswari in Boishnabbari and ending at the Banshi River in Jamurki, was once a navigable waterway. PHOTO: STAR

Within two months after being cleaned by 2,000 volunteers from "BD Clean," the Louhajang River in Tangail has quickly reverted to its polluted state.

Pollution and encroachment continue unabated in the river as local authorities remain inactive.

The 76-kilometre-long river, originating from the Dhaleswari in Boishnabbari and ending at the Bangshi River in Jamurki, was once a navigable waterway.

However, senior citizens say, in recent decades, it has turned into a dying canal due to siltation and the blockage of its water flow.

Waste from nearby households, markets, mills, and factories, discharged through drains and pipelines, has further worsened the river's condition. The stench of stagnant, polluted water, combined with accumulating rubbish, has become unbearable for those living along the riverbanks.

Locals say their repeated calls for action have gone unanswered.

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However, in recent decades, it has turned into a dying canal due to siltation and the blockage of its water flow. PHOTO: STAR

Ratan Siddiqui, general secretary of the District River Canal Water Bodies Protection Committee, said efforts to clean the river have been limited to only a one-kilometre stretch in town.

The remaining 75 kilometres of the waterbody continue to suffer from encroachment and pollution, as no one dares confront the powerful vested interests responsible for it, he added.

Meanwhile, Azad Khan Bhasani, president of Bhasani Parishad, said attempting to free the river from encroachment without restoring its original flow will be proven futile.

Ruhul Amin Sharif, assistant commissioner (land) in Sadar upazila, said reviving the river requires expert planning to address its silted source.

At a recent meeting organised by the environmental group 'Nongar,' civil society members criticised the exclusion of experienced environmental activists from new initiatives, claiming that local authorities are sidestepping real solutions.

Contacted, Tangail Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque said the administration will work with all stakeholders to resolve the issue.​

These are unfortunate realities. In national news in India, I heard that Delhi air pollution has crossed danger level.

 

[Saif]

These are unfortunate realities. In national news in India, I heard that Delfi air pollution has crossed danger level.

Bangladesh has banned plastic bags to protect the environment but nobody listens to it.

 

[Dogun18]

Bangladesh has banned plastic bags to protect the environment but nobody listens to it.

Don't Bangladeshis abide by their law? Or is this just the mentality of our South Asian people?

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Bangladesh has banned plastic bags to protect the environment but nobody listens to it.

When I travel to the jungle in Tribal area, I bless those tribal people for beautifully preserving those Jungles, rivers and local Flora and fauna. If I post some photos of those beautiful jungles, you will get mesmerized to see its beauty. I travel to those jungles atleast 6 to 7 days in rainy season and 4 to 5 days in other seasons.

 

[Saif]

Don't Bangladeshis abide by their law? Or is this just the mentality of our South Asian people?

There is no dearth of law breakers in Bangladesh. But this time the interim government has established a watch dog to force the law breakers to abide by law.

 

[Saif]

Climate Apartheid and Bangladesh

The World Risk Index 2023 has ranked Bangladesh ninth worldwide for climate disaster risk, stating it is set to lose 30 percent of its arable by 2050.

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Climate Apartheid and Bangladesh

It is estimated that 92 percent of the greenhouse gases were emitted from the Global North over the last two centuries. PHOTO COURTESY: FARZANA FARUK JHUMU

The incessant rain, flash floods, distraught environmental migrants, and land erosion that we have witnessed in Bangladesh in recent years is not unforeseen, but exactly what scientists predicted decades ago. It is not based on a 'hunch' and it is definitely not fear-mongering as many climate crisis deniers claim. It is equivalent to one's house being on fire while they carry on with their tasks with a blindfold on.

The World Risk Index 2023 has ranked Bangladesh ninth worldwide for climate disaster risk, stating it is set to lose 30 percent of its arable land by 2050 owing to rising sea levels. Rice, a staple in the Bangladeshi diet, will see a steep decrease in its production as well. On top of that, the country is predicted see a loss of 17 percent of its overall territory. As Bangladesh is highly reliant on agriculture and dangerously overpopulated, that will prove to be disastrous on several fronts with food insecurity as well as possibilities of famine close at hand. Unemployment, housing crisis, and poverty would also be widespread.

It is rueful to witness the disastrous effects of rising sea levels in Bangladesh although the country has contributed to less than 0.1 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions since its genesis in 1971. Known as the land of rivers, the melting of the Himalayan Glaciers is a looming threat to its river system overflowing and causing excessive flooding. The unpredictable nature of climate change necessitates a sturdy approach to its consequences, but the Bangladeshi government fails to construct any operational policies to tackle the climate crisis effectively.

While Bangladesh's own unstable political mood contributes to minimal attention paid to its policies regarding climate change, it also boils down to climate politics of the Global North. Although this is a global crisis and not a regional one, its record of blatant disregard for the disproportionate impact of climate change on the marginalised Global South warrants a discussion.

We can see the risks of flagrant climate apartheid in the making—the wealthy countries have the luxury to escape the heat, floods, droughts, and diseases caused by the climate crisis, all because they have the resources to do so, resources which they have shamelessly hoarded by exploiting the Global South through colonialism and imperialism. The best example is perhaps the Netherlands, a former colonial power and Bangladesh, a former colony. Owing to the rising sea levels and both countries lying in a delta, they face similar challenges, but one has the requisite infrastructure in place to tackle the crisis while the other utterly lacks it. Climate apartheid is prevalent within the borders of Bangladesh itself. Many have pointed out that the recent floods in Feni and Sherpur paint a stark picture of the different reactions to people's suffering. While the former region with a wealthy population received an outpour of support, the latter was largely overlooked as its population is not as wealthy.

From the abovementioned instances, we can conclude that the havoc the climate crisis will wreak will not be experienced equally. It will, however, definitely be experienced unfairly. The Industrial Revolution began in Europe and North America from the mid to late eighteenth century respectively, and resulted in most countries on these continents boasting the 'developed' status in the past few decades. It is estimated that 92 percent of the greenhouse gases were emitted from the Global North over the last two centuries. Despite it all, the blame of the climate crisis is dishonestly heaved on the 'developing' nations. Not only that, the West also continues to selfishly demand that developing nations restrain their industrialisation, even though it undoubtedly entails the slowing down of economic growth for those nations along with spikes in unemployment and poverty.

While there is no doubt that greenhouse gas emissions must be immediately reduced if not entirely halted, there is a need for constructive solutions in these developing nations. These solutions require funds which have been promised by the wealthy West but they have consistently failed to provide them. Instead of exporting the requisite technology and funds, they have been exporting reprimands to the Global South. On the same vein, those self-proclaimed environmentally conscious countries set up their air and river polluting factories there and add a 'responsibly sourced' tag to greenwash their products in the West. The hypocrisy of the West continues, but the reality is that the situation is rapidly deteriorating, and that warrants Bangladesh to act swiftly. Historically, the country has placed climate change at the very bottom of its concerns, but now it needs to be given the utmost priority.

The UN reports that due to the climate crisis, between the years 2030 and 2050, every year 250,000 people globally are estimated to be killed. Hence, it is a battle for existence for many communities, which indubitably makes it a human right concern.

Raina Sabanta is a barrister.​

 

[Saif]

Rally in Dhaka calls for action against lead pollution

Speakers at a public awareness rally in Dhaka city on Friday urged the government and policymakers to address lead pollution in Bangladesh. They called for the implementation of strict monitoring to ensure safe standards in consumer products, especially aluminum cookware, wall paint, and children&

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Rally in Dhaka calls for action against lead pollution
FE Online Report
Published :
Oct 25, 2024 19:51
Updated :
Oct 25, 2024 19:51

Speakers at a public awareness rally in Dhaka city on Friday urged the government and policymakers to address lead pollution in Bangladesh.

They called for the implementation of strict monitoring to ensure safe standards in consumer products, especially aluminum cookware, wall paint, and children’s toys. During the rally, speakers highlighted five key demands directed at government officials.

Additionally, they urged the establishment of safe and formal lead-acid battery recycling systems, as well as preventing unsafe battery factories from operating nationwide.

Organised by YouthNet Global and Pure Earth Bangladesh, supported by UNICEF, the rally coincided with the observance of “International Lead Pollution Prevention Week” from October 20 to 26.

Participants emphasised the need for monitoring systems to identify and clean lead-contaminated areas caused by illegal recycling practices.

They also stressed the importance of reviewing and updating existing laws and policies on lead pollution to ensure effective enforcement.

Despite Bangladesh ranking fourth globally in lead pollution, awareness remains alarmingly low.

Approximately 36 million children—about 60 per cent of the child population—suffer from elevated lead levels in their blood, leading to reduced intelligence, learning difficulties, and behavioral issues.

In adults, lead pollution is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, resulting in around 140,000 deaths annually.

The economic losses from lead-related health issues are estimated to reach $28.6 billion each year, underscoring the urgency of collective action against this pervasive threat, they said.

Dr Mahfuzur Rahman, Country Director of Pure Earth Bangladesh, underscored the vital role of young people in this initiative.

Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, also called for acting immediately to address lead pollution.

A recent blood lead level study on 500 children in Dhaka city, conducted by icddr,b in 2022 revealed that all the 500 children whose blood samples were tested, were found to have lead in their blood.

A total of 80 per cent of the children had blood-lead level above 5 µg/dL, with an average blood-lead level of 7.6 mcg/dl and highest 36 µg/dL, whereas there is no safe limit of lead in a child’s body.

While sharing the impact of lead on children Md Musa Baker, Research Investigator, Environmental Health and WASH, icddr,b, said, “Lead damages brain of children below five, causing lifelong neurological, cognitive, and physical impairment to them. To build a meritocratic society, there is no alternative to eliminate lead exposure.”​

 

[Saif]

Fossil fuel main driver of climate change: Rizwana

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said fossil fuel use is one of the main drivers of climate change

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Fossil fuel main driver of climate change: Rizwana

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said fossil fuel use is one of the main drivers of climate change.

She emphasised the need to reduce its use, adapt development models, and work collectively to control pollution.

She made the remarks in a video message at the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) seminar room during the mentoring program titled "Journalism in the Age of Energy Transition: COP-29 Coverage Strategies and Mentoring."

The event aimed to enhance the skills of journalists in print, electronic, and online media in preparation for coverage of the upcoming COP-29.

Rizwana Hasan further stated the importance of effectively covering climate conferences and using knowledge from training to support at-risk communities through actionable steps.

The event was chaired by PIB Director General Faruk Wasif and moderated by CAPS Chairman Professor Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder.​

 

[Saif]

Path forward in global climate economy

AS BANGLADESH grapples with the devastating effects of climate change, the need for innovative financial mechanisms to bolster its resilience is more pressing than ever. Despite its relatively low contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions — accounting for less than 0.5 per cent of the...

www.newagebd.net

Path forward in global climate economy
Md Zahurul Al Mamun 27 October, 2024, 00:00

Eco Technology

AS BANGLADESH grapples with the devastating effects of climate change, the need for innovative financial mechanisms to bolster its resilience is more pressing than ever. Despite its relatively low contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions — accounting for less than 0.5 per cent of the world total — the country bears a disproportionate burden of climate-related disasters. For this South Asian nation, addressing climate change is no longer a policy choice but an existential imperative.

In this context, carbon markets offer a promising yet complex financial tool. While these markets have the potential to provide the much-needed climate finance for Bangladesh’s adaptation and mitigation efforts, engaging effectively requires navigating a web of technical, regulatory and ethical challenges. For Bangladesh to harness the potential of carbon markets, it must do so with a keen focus on climate justice, capacity-building, and local development priorities.

Understanding carbon markets

CARBON markets operate on a simple premise: pricing carbon emissions to incentivise reductions. At their core, the markets put a monetary value on the external costs of carbon emissions, encouraging countries, industries and corporations to invest in cleaner alternatives. Broadly, there are two types of carbon markets: compliance and voluntary.

Compliance markets are driven by regulatory frameworks such as the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme or the mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. Voluntary markets, on the other hand, are driven by corporations or entities that wish to offset their carbon emissions to adopt net-zero targets as part of their sustainability goals. Bangladesh has participated in both, notably under mechanisms such as the Clean Development Mechanism, earning certified emission reductions for solar projects.

However, the global carbon market landscape has evolved. Article 6 in the Paris Agreement enables more a flexible international cooperation in carbon trading, potentially expanding Bangladesh’s role. The voluntary market, in particular, has seen exponential growth, driven by global corporations adopting net-zero targets. According to Fortune Business Insights, in 2022, the global carbon offsets market size reached nearly $938.75 billion, with projections suggesting that it would grow to $2,549.42 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 13.1 per cent during the forecast period. These figures highlight the burgeoning opportunities — but also the complexity — of this financial space.

Local context

FOR Bangladesh, engaging in these markets is fraught with specific challenges. While the potential financial benefits are evident, significant barriers remain in place that could hinder the nation’s ability to fully capitalise on carbon trading.

Institutional capacity and infrastructure: One of the most pressing challenges is the limited institutional capacity to develop, monitor, and certify carbon projects. Carbon trading requires robust monitoring, reporting and verification systems to ensure the credibility of the credits being sold, but Bangladesh’s technical skills and infrastructure in this area remain underdeveloped. Although the government has made strides in building climate resilience, these advancements have not extended sufficiently to the technical complexities required for carbon markets.

This shortfall is not unique to Bangladesh but is indicative of broader structural inequalities in the global carbon trading system. Wealthier nations, armed with advanced technologies and institutional capacity, dominate carbon markets while countries such as Bangladesh struggle to meet the stringent requirements of international buyers. This discrepancy raises the risk of ‘carbon colonialism,’ wherein wealthier nations or corporations exploit carbon markets at the expense of less-developed countries, profiting from projects that offer little tangible benefits to the local populations involved.

Regulatory framework and policy coherence: A lack of clear regulatory frameworks is another impediment. While Bangladesh has environmental legislation in place, it lacks a comprehensive national policy on carbon pricing or trading. The absence of clear guidelines creates uncertainty for potential investors, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy and waste management — two areas ripe for carbon credit generation.

The development of a coherent carbon pricing strategy, whether through a tax or a cap-and-trade system, would send out a strong signal that Bangladesh is serious about leveraging carbon markets. Such a framework would also align domestic policies with international climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, encouraging both private-sector engagement and foreign investment. Neighbouring countries such as India have begun experimenting with such frameworks, offering potential lessons for Bangladesh.

Market volatility and financial risks: Carbon markets are notoriously volatile. The price of carbon credits fluctuates, influenced by market conditions, regulatory changes and international policy decisions. For a country such as Bangladesh, which already has constrained fiscal space, over-reliance on such an unpredictable revenue stream poses considerable risks. Without long-term price stability or guarantees, carbon trading could exacerbate financial vulnerabilities, particularly, if carbon prices plummet or demand weakens.

Bangladesh would do well to draw lessons from countries such as Kenya, which have navigated both successes and failures in carbon trading. By analysing their experience, Bangladesh can develop strategies to mitigate these financial risks, ensuring that carbon markets complement — rather than undermine — its broader climate and economic goals.

Engaging stakeholders: multi-layered approach

FOR Bangladesh to fully capitalise on carbon markets, an effective engagement across various levels — global, national, and local — is essential.

International partnerships: At the international level, multilateral institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund are increasingly recognising carbon markets as a mechanism to support climate finance in the Global South. Initiatives like the World Bank’s partnership for market implementation can offer technical and financial support to help Bangladesh to establish its carbon pricing mechanisms. Bangladesh needs to strengthen its collaborations with such international bodies to harness technical and financial assistance.

However, these engagements must not be merely transactional. Bangladesh should use its position in global forums, such as the forthcoming COP29, to advocate more equitable carbon market practices that account for the unequal distribution of climate impacts and the historical responsibility of wealthy nations.

Local stakeholders and capacity building: Domestically, more substantial involvement from both the private sector and local governments is essential. Industries such as textiles, which are a significant part of Bangladesh’s economy and are frequently scrutinised for their environmental footprint, could benefit from the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy projects that generate carbon credits. However, for this to happen, the government must provide clear financial incentives, such as tax breaks or subsidies, to encourage private-sector participation.

Local governments also have a pivotal role to play. Decentralising climate governance and empowering local authorities with the tools to enforce regulations and oversee monitoring, reporting and verification systems could significantly improve project outcomes. Equally important is the community engagement. Too often, carbon projects fail to consult or include local communities in the decision-making process, leading to resentment and pushback. Prioritising the participation of vulnerable groups, such as smallholder farmers and Indigenous communities, is crucial to avoid exploitation and ensure that carbon projects deliver tangible benefits to those most affected by climate change.

Ethical considerations: equity and climate justice

CARBON markets, while offering financial opportunities, are rife with ethical pitfalls. Bangladesh’s engagement with these markets must be framed within the broader context of climate justice. The country must ensure that its participation is not just about generating carbon credits for wealthy nations to offset their emissions. It should, rather, focus on integrating carbon markets into its broader development strategy, ensuring that revenue from these markets is reinvested in projects that directly benefit the country’s most vulnerable populations.

In this regard, robust monitoring, reporting and verification systems are critical for not only compliance but also ensuring transparency and accountability. Emerging technologies such as blockchain could offer innovative solutions for tracking and verifying carbon credits, reducing the potential for fraud or mismanagement. Bangladesh should look to countries such as Jordan and Sri Lanka, which have successfully implemented such systems, as models for building credibility in the global carbon market.

Seizing opportunities: long-term vision

IN THE long term, carbon markets should be viewed as one piece of a broader strategy to transition Bangladesh to a green economy. Investments in renewable energy, afforestation and nature-based solutions will be key to unlocking carbon market potential while addressing climate resilience. For example, expanding solar and wind energy projects could generate a reliable stream of carbon credits. Likewise, restoring mangrove forests along the coastlines could both sequester carbon and protect communities from storm surges and rising sea levels.

However, these efforts must be underpinned by a long-term vision that goes beyond short-term financial gains. Carbon markets should not replace the need for more robust climate action and policy reform. Instead, they should complement a broader strategy aimed at sustainable development, climate adaptation and building a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.

Policy recommendations

To unlock the full potential of carbon markets, Bangladesh needs a forward-thinking, multi-faceted policy approach.

Strong institutions: First and foremost, Bangladesh must build stronger national institutions to engage effectively with carbon markets. A dedicated climate finance body — similar to Kenya’s Climate Change Directorate or India’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency — could coordinate carbon market initiatives, streamline regulatory processes, and engage with international stakeholders.

National carbon pricing strategy: Establishing a national carbon pricing mechanism, whether through a carbon tax or cap-and-trade system, would send a clear signal to both domestic and international stakeholders that Bangladesh is committed to market-based climate solutions.

Private-sector participation: The government should establish clear guidelines and financial incentives to encourage private-sector engagement. By promoting public-private partnership schemes in key sectors such as renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable agriculture, the government can unlock opportunities for carbon credit generation. Incentives could include tax benefits for industries that adopt energy efficiency measures or renewable energy technologies, thereby generating carbon credits. This approach will be crucial for the successful transition to a low-carbon economy.

Capacity building and technical assistance: International partnership with organisations such as the World Bank and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change should focus on capacity building, particularly in carbon accounting, monitoring, reporting and verification systems and project certification. Training programmes for government officials, industry leaders and local communities will be key to ensuring that the benefits of carbon markets are equitably distributed.

Climate justice campaign: Bangladesh must advocate equitable carbon market practices at global forums, ensuring that the benefits of participation are shared with vulnerable communities.

Just and sustainable path

CARBON markets present a promising avenue for Bangladesh’s climate finance strategy, but the path forward is fraught with challenges. By focusing on capacity-building, regulatory coherence and ethical considerations, Bangladesh cannot only engage effectively with these markets but also use them as a lever for broader sustainable development. The urgency is undeniable. But with the right policies and partnership, Bangladesh can position itself as a leader in advocating a more just, transparent, and climate-resilient future.

Md Zahurul Al Mamun is a climate change researcher and analyst.​

 

[Saif]

HC questions legality of Ctg port authority’s law to fill river

The High Court today issued a rule questioning the legality of a law that has empowered the authorities concerned to fill Karnaphuli river in Chattogram

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HC questions legality of Ctg port authority’s law to fill river

The High Court today issued a rule questioning the legality of a law that has empowered the authorities concerned to fill Karnaphuli river in Chattogram.

In the rule, the court asked the authorities concerned with the government to explain in two weeks why the Chittagong Port Authority Act 2022 which empowered the port authority to fill the river should not be scrapped.

The HC bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury issued the rule following a writ petition filed by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh challenging the legality of the Chittagong Port Authority Act 2022.

The petitioner's lawyer, Manzill Murshid, told the court that the Chittagong Port Authority Act was passed in 2022 and a gazette notification was issued on April 13, 2022. Section 10(2)(f) of the law provides powers to the authority to fill rivers in Chattogram.

If such powers remain in force, Karnaphuli river cannot be protected, he said.

Deputy Attorney General Tanim Khan represented the state during the hearing.​

 

[Saif]

Making the climate change battle inclusive

We need to ensure an intersectional approach to climate action.

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Making the climate change battle inclusive
Equal participation of people of all genders, ethnicities and age-groups will generate more effective and sustainable outcomes

The unique perspectives and experiences of the youth must be incorporated into climate change policies to address the diverse impacts of climate change on different communities. PHOTO: ACTIONAID BANGLADESH

Climate change is a global crisis. Raising awareness is not enough; we must provide people with the information and tools to combat the effects of climate change. It is fundamental to engage in activism, campaigns, and advocacy and organise dialogues and conferences to discuss how to reduce the effects of climate change. To be effective and truly transformative, respect for and promotion of gender equality, women's rights, marginalised groups, youth leadership and indigenous community must be central to climate action.

Participation in climate and environmental decision-making is a human right and the equal participation of people belonging to all genders generates more effective and sustainable outcomes. Women are underrepresented when it comes to decision-making regarding climate negotiations. At COP 28, there were only 34 percent of women across all national delegations, compared to 31 percent at COP 14 in 2008. Only two percent of the delegations at COP 28 had an equal number of men and women, while 79 percent had more men than women, representing the ongoing disparity in women's participation in climate negotiations.

Besides, there is still the Sustainable Development Goals financing gap estimated at $4 trillion annually for developing countries, with the Global South being affected disproportionately. Loss and damage are closely related to the concept of "just transition" and equity because the world's most climate-vulnerable countries are often the lowest contributors to climate change, yet heavily affected by it. With COP 29 ahead, there is an urgent need to agree on a new climate finance goal of $5 trillion annually to address climate loss and damage. This climate finance should be channelled through well-planned and targeted actions with transparency and accountability. Global leaders should come forward and commit to addressing issues needed to combat climate change and to support the countries that are more vulnerable and prone to natural disasters occurring as a result of climate change.

Meanwhile, fossil fuel burning must be prohibited to avoid the worst impacts of the climate crisis. Over $677 billion in subsidies is being poured into fossil fuel and industrial agriculture sectors annually, fuelling greenhouse gas emissions. Developed countries are the primary beneficiaries of these subsidies, which are contributing to global temperature rise and biodiversity loss. The energy demand has increased worldwide due to economic advancement and development and a major part of the energy demand is met by fossil fuels. Although Bangladesh has remained resilient, natural resources are depleting rapidly and negatively impacting the environment which is accelerating climate change, therefore making it crucial to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels and slow down climate change to build a habitable world for future generations.

Moreover, in Bangladesh, 40 percent of the population lacks access to safe water, highlighting the urgent need for action. It is crucial to acknowledge how vulnerable populations, particularly women, are disproportionately affected by water-related crises. With limited access to resources and decision-making power, women have to encounter challenges that are different in nature from those faced by men. It is reported that women starve during a disaster when there is a crisis and food shortage to feed their children and other family members. Women are exposed to new forms of risks when they have to move to flood or cyclone shelters. Displaced women and girls who move to temporary shelters or embankments are in even higher risk categories with reports of child marriage or trafficking. Women's empowerment in climate action is crucial for creating effective and sustainable solutions. Involving women in developing funding criteria and resource allocation helps prioritise projects that directly benefit communities, and enhance resilience and adaptive capacity. When women and minorities participate actively in shaping technologies and solutions, we foster creativity and innovation that are essential for tackling climate challenges. This needs to happen at global climate discussions and at national levels.

The other aspect that is necessary to incorporate is the unique perspectives and experiences of the youth which can lead to innovative approaches for addressing the diverse impacts of climate change on different communities. Equity and youth leadership are important for the future and the government should plan to invest in these areas. Similarly, Indigenous communities deeply connected to the land suffer disproportionate impacts, highlighting the importance of Indigenous knowledge and rights in conservation efforts. People with disabilities also face unique challenges in climate-related disasters, necessitating inclusive emergency planning and infrastructure to address accessibility barriers and health conditions worsened by environmental changes. Empowering marginalised groups enables their meaningful participation in decision-making processes and ensures equitable access to resources and opportunities.

Bangladesh has been resilient in the face of formidable climate challenges. There is no question that a collaborative spirit unites Bangladesh to protect and strengthen communities against climate adversities. However, the inclusion and integration of different perspectives into national policies and sustainable development plans must be focused on, in order to guarantee that the needs and knowledge of the underrepresented are recognised and addressed, leading to more equitable and effective climate interventions.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) embody governments' commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. If designed effectively, NDCs, alongside the voluntary National Adaptation Plan (NAP), can provide an effective framework to guide gender-responsive national climate action and include it in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and disaster response as well. Unfortunately, when we dived deeper, we found that most climate strategies across South Asia remain gender-blind, pointing to the stark reality that as climate disasters cause devastation across the region, women, girls, youth and other marginalised groups continue to be overlooked, excluded and left behind in government responses.

We need to ensure an intersectional approach to climate action that incorporates the needs and priorities of women and girls, youth, marginalised groups, and Indigenous communities. Existing and new policies should reflect and address issues of climate justice in terms of budget and allocation that is gender-sensitive and gender-responsive. Incorporating gender considerations and insights of youth, Indigenous and marginalised groups into new climate policies and frameworks, will pave the way to foster synergies between gender equality, climate action, and sustainable development, leading to more cohesive and effective policy responses.

Farah Kabir is the country director of ActionAid Bangladesh.​

 

[Krishna with Flute]

@Saif

Hi,

Have a look at the some very beautiful places I visited this rainy season this year.Look how beautiful it is.