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

[Krishna with Flute]

The unseen cost of Dhaka’s toxic air

Dhaka's air is a silent killer, endangering health and futures in a toxic haze.

www.thedailystar.net

The unseen cost of Dhaka’s toxic air

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FILE VISUAL: ABIR HOSSAIN

Imagine, for a moment, walking through the streets of Dhaka on a cold winter morning. The smog hangs thick in the air, wrapping the city in a grey blanket. The sun, struggling to break through, casts a dull light over the buildings. This isn't just an unpleasant sight, it's a sign of a public health emergency. The "State of Global Air 2024" report confirms what many of us already know—Dhaka has one of the worst air quality in the world, consistently ranking among the top cities with hazardous pollution levels. On one particular morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Dhaka was measured at 291—labelled "very unhealthy." This means that every breath we take in Dhaka carries harmful particles that can damage our lungs, hearts, and even brains.

The problem is not just the occasional bad day—it is a constant, pervasive issue. Every year, more than 230,000 people in Bangladesh die from diseases linked to air pollution, and many of these deaths are avoidable. Perhaps the most heartbreaking fact is that children are bearing the brunt of this pollution. According to the latest report, air pollution is the second-leading cause of death among children under five, after malnutrition. In 2021, over 19,000 children in Bangladesh died from air pollution-related diseases, such as pneumonia and asthma. These are not just statistics—they represent children who never had the chance to grow up.

In many ways, this situation mirrors the bleak descriptions of industrialised cities found in classic English literature. Take, for example, Charles Dickens' portrayal of Victorian London in Bleak House, where the fog was not just a physical phenomenon but a symbol of the social and moral decay of the time. The thick, suffocating fog in Dickens' novel could be seen as a metaphor for the way pollution clouds our judgment today—distorting our understanding of the consequences of our actions and making it difficult to see the full picture of the damage we are causing to the environment and to each other. Just as the poor of Dickens' London suffered most in the industrial age, today it is the poorest communities in Dhaka, along with our children, who are most affected by the toxic air.

As we look around, it's hard to ignore the fact that the streets of Dhaka, like those of Dickensian London, are filled with people who have little choice but to breathe in the polluted air. But unlike the poor workers of the past, we have the knowledge and resources to act. We know the dangers. The question is: will we take responsibility for the future of our city and its people?

Air pollution, particularly the fine particles known as PM2.5, is the silent killer here. These particles are so small that they can enter our lungs and bloodstream, causing long-term damage. Children are especially vulnerable because their lungs are still developing, and they breathe in more air relative to their body weight than adults do. This means that every breath a child takes in Dhaka could be harmful. In fact, the pollutants in the air can cause lifelong health issues, including asthma, lung diseases, and even brain development problems. As a result, children grow up in a city that doesn't just limit their dreams—it limits their health.

Dhaka's air pollution is not just a human problem, it is a problem that affects the environment as well. Just as a novel's setting shapes the characters, the environment shapes the lives of those who live in it. In Dhaka, the air is no longer something we can take for granted. It is a poisoned gift, one that we have collectively polluted through our choices—choices about how we build, how we commute, and how we use energy.

The dense fog in the streets, the visible haze over the skyline, are not just symptoms of a poorly managed city, they are the result of years of environmental neglect. We have allowed the city to grow without the necessary green spaces, proper waste management, and a public transportation system that reduces the need for countless private cars. The irony is that, despite all the noise, the real crisis is silent. The children suffer in ways that are unseen, and we have become numb to the changes happening around us.

But we do not have to resign ourselves to this fate. There is hope if we choose to act. We can invest in cleaner technologies, such as electric vehicles and green public transport systems. We can clean up our industries and encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices. We can also work to improve household air quality by providing alternatives to polluting fuels. The government and citizens must work together to find solutions.

The health of our children, the future of Dhaka, and the future of our planet depend on the choices we make today. It is time to change the narrative, take control of our story, and ensure that the air we breathe is not the tragic backdrop to our lives but a source of life, health, and hope for future generations. The thick, suffocating fog we face is not inevitable—it is a challenge we must overcome for the sake of our children and the world they will inherit.

Md Kawsar Uddin is associate professor at the Department of English and Modern Languages in the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT).​

I am really impressed with the concern shown by BD to protect environment and awareness in BD regarding environment and forest.

 

[Saif]

I am really impressed with the concern shown by BD to protect environment and awareness in BD regarding environment and forest.

Thank you for the comment.

 

[Saif]

Unlocking fiscal constraints for climate action

Climate change has emerged as a significant risk to sovereign debt sustainability, impacting fiscal stability and growth prospects.

www.thedailystar.net

Unlocking fiscal constraints for climate action
Bank Company Act

Climate change has emerged as a significant risk to sovereign debt sustainability, impacting fiscal stability and growth prospects. For example, extreme weather events such as cyclones and floods lead to infrastructure destruction, reduced agricultural output and displacement, necessitating increased public expenditure for recovery.

For instance, Pakistan's floods in 2022 caused damages exceeding $30 billion. In Bangladesh, Cyclone Sidr (2007) caused damages of approximately $1.7 billion.

The European Central Bank warns that climate inaction could exacerbate sovereign risks due to materialised liabilities and financial instability. Their report highlights the growing impact of climate change on sovereign debt and financial stability, emphasising the urgency for integrating climate risks into fiscal planning.

It outlines how climate-related hazards, including extreme weather and long-term environmental changes, can directly harm public finances through increased recovery costs and indirectly disrupt economies, reducing tax revenues and raising borrowing costs. The report stresses that inaction on climate risks could lead to higher sovereign risk premiums and deteriorating credit ratings, especially for vulnerable countries.

It recommends that governments and financial institutions adopt proactive measures, such as incorporating climate risks into debt sustainability analyses, enhancing transparency, and mobilising green investments to mitigate these challenges.

Developing countries face a compounded crisis of rising sovereign debt and heightened vulnerability to climate change. For instance, countries like Mozambique, Bangladesh, etc. face acute fiscal constraints that limit their ability to finance climate resilience projects. This nexus creates a vicious cycle: climate events damage economies, increase debt burdens, and reduce fiscal capacity to address future risks. New financing mechanisms aim to alleviate fiscal constraints while driving climate action, with nations restructuring or forgiving parts of their debt in exchange for investments in conservation or renewable energy.

Green bonds offer investors the opportunity to align their portfolios with environmental objectives while earning returns. Bangladesh has begun exploring creative solutions to address climate finance challenges. Some key examples include sovereign green bonds.

Bangladesh's first sustainability-linked bond (SLB) was issued by Pran Agro Limited. The bond, arranged by Standard Chartered Bank, is a significant milestone in Bangladesh's sustainable finance sector. It links financial incentives to achieving specific sustainability targets, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resource efficiency. This innovative financing approach aligns with global environmental and social priorities while supporting the country's economic development.

Partnerships with the private sector could help reduce public financing burdens.

Also, clean energy from rooftop solar installations in garment factories can reduce operational costs while meeting international buyers' renewable energy requirements. The success of factories in Gazipur demonstrates the viability of this approach. The BGMEA has identified rooftop solar as a significant opportunity to reduce energy costs and carbon footprints in the garments sector. However, high initial costs deter private investments in renewable energy projects. Besides, the aging infrastructure of Bangladesh's national grid limits its ability to incorporate renewable energy.

So, credit rating agencies and multilateral development banks should include climate risk factors in their analyses to facilitate climate-resilient investments. Developing countries need access to debt-for-climate swaps or concessional loans, coupled with technical support to implement climate projects.

Simplified processes for accessing funds under frameworks like the Green Climate Fund are essential to empower vulnerable nations. Additionally, developed nations must enhance contributions to climate funds, ensuring fair and adequate financial support for adaptation and mitigation.

The writer is chairman of Financial Excellence Ltd. This piece is based on his discussion points at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.​

 

[Saif]

Ban on polythene bags alone will hardly work

IT IS commendable that the government has announced its firm position against the widespread use of one-time plastic products and continued its drive against polythene bags, but the state of plastic pollution suggests that enforcing a polythene ban is not enough. The environment ministry issued...

www.newagebd.net

Ban on polythene bags alone will hardly work
01 December, 2024, 00:00

IT IS commendable that the government has announced its firm position against the widespread use of one-time plastic products and continued its drive against polythene bags, but the state of plastic pollution suggests that enforcing a polythene ban is not enough. The environment ministry issued a directive in August that listed 17 single-use plastic products as hazardous and asked retailers and others concerned to phase out the products. The ban on the use of polythene in supermarkets was, accordingly, enforced in October and the same directive was made effective for all retail stores and markets on November 3. Since the imposition of the ban, the government has conducted 166 drives in which 349 entities were fined Tk 19,29,900 and 40,000 kilograms of polythene were seized. After years of negligence in implementing the Polythene Bag Control Act 2002, strict action against the use of polythene is a welcome development, especially in view of the environmental and health burden of plastic pollution. However, the fight against plastic pollution requires a multi-pronged approach which needs to include a biodegradable alternative to polythene and a waste management programme to recycle plastic already in use.

A photograph that New Age published on November 30 shows that the unabated dumping of plastic products into the Subhadya canal at Jinjira in Dhaka has almost killed the canal. An estimated 250 tonnes of single-use plastic enter the environment every month and about 80 to 85 per cent of the waste, once discarded, ends up in drains, lakes, rivers and the Bay of Bengal. The ban on polythene is, therefore, a key step in preventing plastic pollution, but it does not address the hazardous plastic items that have already entered the environment. Metal and toxic elements released by way of unplanned disposal of plastic items are diffused into the environment which eventually enter the food chain. The government needs to develop a plan to recycle plastic already in use and provide a biodegradable alternative. Decades of marketing of polythene bags and single-use plastic products have changed consumer behaviour and for a change, there is the need for an awareness campaign. In October, the Plastic Foundation, a platform for plastic manufacturers, urged the government to consider a timeframe of a minimum of six months to a year to support the transition to an alternative. The economy in this case is not necessarily limited to the concern expressed by the industry owners that the sudden ban will risk their investment. There is also the informal recycling economy that provides a livelihood for many.

For the government to viably stop the use of environmentally hazardous polythene bags and single-use plastic, it should consider developing a long-term plan in consultation with all stakeholders involved in the informal recycling economy. A ban on polythene bags alone, without a recycling and waste management programme and support for stakeholders so that they can transition to producing biodegradable alternatives, will not be sustainable in the fight against plastic pollution.​

 

[Saif]

Save Chattogram hills from destruction

Reports indicate widespread damage over the decades

www.thedailystar.net

Save Chattogram hills from destruction
Reports indicate widespread damage over the decades

VISUAL: STAR

We are concerned about the ongoing trend of hill cutting in Chattogram which has persisted despite the political changeover in the country. Recent findings in this regard paint a troubling picture—with one report saying that the port city has lost 120 hills over the last four decades. Another report claims that only about 80 of the 200 hills the city once had remain, with at least 30 real estate projects having contributed to hill flattening over the last five decades. While data on hills can be sketchy at times, available studies clearly indicate widespread destruction in the name of constructing residential colonies, commercial ventures, and road infrastructure, largely due to poor oversight by the authorities.

During a recent visit to Chattogram, a correspondent for this daily documented the extent of damage in areas such as Khulshi, Akbar Shah, and Bayezid Bostami, where hills were levelled for multiple housing projects. Locals revealed that plot owners often erect walls first to dodge scrutiny. Although Department of Environment (DoE) officials claim to take action after receiving complaints—including filing 34 cases against violators in the past two years—the scale of destruction suggests that such actions are neither sufficient nor timely enough to deter further violations. Developers continue to operate with impunity, exploiting legal loopholes and weak enforcement of environmental laws. As a result, the city's hills and green spaces have diminished sharply, while landslide and waterlogging risks have escalated.

Under the Environment Conservation Act 1995, razing hills without permission from the DoE is a punishable offence. Permission should also be obtained from the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA). Authorisation or lack thereof is not the only issue here, however. According to a CDA official cited by Desh Rupantor, while there is no outright prohibition on building in hilly areas, construction requires caution due to the region's topography. The hills in Chattogram are primarily composed of sandy soil, which is prone to erosion, especially during heavy rainfall. This geological feature makes the hills particularly vulnerable to destruction when cut or disturbed.

Clearly, there must be stricter and more specific guidelines for construction in these hilly areas, and they must be effectively enforced. Over the years, enforcement has been hindered by corruption and political influences, issues that should be easier to address under the interim administration. Experts warn that if the current trend of hill cutting continues, Chattogram's remaining hills could be halved by 2035. The authorities, therefore, must take stronger measures to prevent further damage. Otherwise, the region's ecological balance will be irreparably harmed, increasing the frequency and severity of landslides and flooding.​

 

[Saif]

Rizwana calls for legal recognition for water, land

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan urged the global community for legal recognition of water, land, food, and the environment

www.thedailystar.net

Rizwana calls for legal recognition for water, land

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan urged the global community for legal recognition of water, land, food, and the environment.

She highlighted the importance of regulating international trade and the transboundary movement of agrochemicals through due diligence in production processes.

She further stressed that public support for financing, technology transfer, and capacity building is vital, but such support should not extend to water-intensive industries or unsustainable agricultural practices.

She said this while delivering at the formal statements session of the ongoing UNCCD COP16, held today, emphasising the urgent need for global action to combat desertification and achieve environmental justice.

In her speech, Rizwana said as a lower riparian nation, Bangladesh seeks regional cooperation for river basin management and hopes UNCCD COP16 will guide global and national political visions towards achieving a land degradation-neutral world.

Highlighting Bangladesh's challenges, Rizwana Hasan noted that the country must feed 170 million people with just 14.8 million hectares of land, one of the world's lowest per capita land availabilities.

She warned that rising sea levels could result in the loss of one-third of the country's land mass by 2050, exacerbating food insecurity. Excessive use of groundwater and agrochemicals for high-yield rice production has also caused severe land contamination.

Rizwana shed light on Bangladesh's vulnerability as an active delta. Annual river erosion displaces over 1 million people, while the country loses 2.6% of its forests annually—double the global average.

Coastal salinity has surpassed critical levels over the past three decades, and reduced water flows in 57 transboundary rivers due to upstream diversions have aggravated waterlogging and river flow issues, intensifying the nation's challenges.

She urged the global community to act collectively for environmental and climate justice, addressing the huge finance gap in adaptation. "Recognising the limits to adaptation, ambitious mitigation action is imperative to save the planet and limit temperature rise to 1.5°C," she stated.

Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to working with the global community for a sustainable future, calling for actionable outcomes from COP16 to combat desertification and ensure climate resilience.

Environment Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed was also present in the occasion.​

 

[Saif]

Saving rivers around Dhaka

While most rivers of the country are facing vulnerabilities of all sorts-encroachment, pollution, siltation, a lack of navigability and so on, the situation is even direr for the rivers surrounding the capital. A couple of the rivers are literally lifeless having lost their channels. Despite repeat

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Saving rivers around Dhaka
Wasi Ahmed
Published :
Dec 03, 2024 23:33
Updated :
Dec 03, 2024 23:33

While most rivers of the country are facing vulnerabilities of all sorts-encroachment, pollution, siltation, a lack of navigability and so on, the situation is even direr for the rivers surrounding the capital. A couple of the rivers are literally lifeless having lost their channels. Despite repeated calls for their preservation and the introduction of a 20-year master-plan aimed at protecting them, progress of work remains elusive.

Rivers are believed to be one of the worst victims of public neglect and onslaught in this country, especially those flowing close to, or around townships, business centres and urban habitats. This is an age-old narrative of utter lawlessness and anarchy --- to say the least--- fuelled by greed, and more than anything, failure of the authorities to rein in the influence of the powerful quarters or individuals who find rivers and river banks a potentially gainful spoilsport. While river grabbing--- perfectly dubbed after the greed for lands on river banks--- has been going on undeterred for decades, lack of navigability of most rivers has become a cause of utter public misery. Occasional drives by the concerned state body, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) to rescue lands from the grabbers have not proved enough to convince the citizens that they are earnest in their task. On the other hand, there has always been an element of cynicism, too, regarding the government's position in remaining firm and steady to bring things to order.

We have seen many drives in the past, mostly ill-organised, hence rendered ineffective and fruitless. However, the initiative taken by the BIWTA in 2019 deserves some credit in that it was far better coordinated, well organised, and as public perception went, backed by political will. The drive to evict unauthorised installations did succeed considerably, mainly on the banks of the major rivers around the capital including the Buriganga, the Turag and the Shitalakhya. Well-built structures, including multistoried ones, warehouses, even factories were demolished and the occupied lands on the river banks reclaimed. True, some partisan groups managed to stay safe and unhurt under various pretexts including court verdict in their favour. However, the way the drive was gaining momentum with overwhelming public support, one had the feeling that those unscathed would soon experience the same fate as of the rest. Unfortunately, the drive, the strongest ever, did not continue long enough. Fund, reportedly, was one key constraint.

What was important to do following whatever eviction work was done at that time was to draw the demarcation lines on the foreshores of the rivers in order to stop farther encroachment. The work started after a while under a project to install demarcation pillars, set up bank protection devices, walkways and other allied development works on the banks of the Buriganga, the Turag, the Balu and the Sitalakhya. The project work slowed due to the Covid pandemic; and because of time and cost over-run, the BIWTA reportedly sought more funds from the government to complete the project by 2024. In its revised proposal the BIWTA had incorporated new components including construction of 35.35 kilometres of drain along the walkways as the major reasons for seeking the revision. Erection of 3,850 boundary pillars, construction of 17.75 kilometres of walkway and removal of 18.21 cubic-metres of earth and establishment of four stations and 14 jetties for riverine transports were the major components of the project. It is not known what happened next.

There is more to the subject. Navigability in some of the aforementioned rivers is seriously at stake. Due to earth filling by grabbers, some of the vital river channels are no longer in existence which must be restored to their original state. Besides, improving overall navigability, particularly in the lean season, is extremely important. It may be noted that because of lack of navigability, the much drummed up water bus service could not succeed. There are of course other reasons for the failure of the water bus service, but had navigability been up to the satisfactory level, things might not have turned this bad.

It is axiomatic that rivers close to big cities have historically played a significant role in the development and prosperity of urban areas. While their aesthetic appeal contributes to the beauty and allure of cityscapes, their practical benefits far outweigh their scenic value. Rivers have been vital for facilitating human mobility, acting as natural highways for transportation and communication. In addition, rivers enable cities to access resources from distant areas, supporting industries such as agriculture, fishing, and manufacturing. Cities with navigable rivers become hubs of commerce and cultural exchange, attracting businesses, traders, and settlers, which further stimulate urban growth. The presence of a river also means access to fresh water, essential for drinking, irrigation, and industry. Maintaining navigability of the rivers, particularly in the lean season, is thus crucial to giving the Dhaka rivers a lease of life.

The 20-year master plan drafted in 2021 reportedly incorporated a comprehensive plan of action to address major issues like pollution, illegal occupation, and navigability of the rivers. It is high time the authorities initiated necessary moves to implement the master plan. Given the apolitical character of the interim government, it is expected that enforcement measures would not be a major problem at this point in time.​

 

[Saif]

Private sector's role in meeting climate-related challenges

The recently concluded COP29 in Baku left many nations, particularly climate-vulnerable countries like Bangladesh, frustrated. Despite the dire need for urgent action and financial support, the outcomes were underwhelming. The summit's most notable financial commitment-$300 billion by 2035-falls dr

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Private sector's role in meeting climate-related challenges
Mir Mostafizur Rahaman
Published :
Dec 05, 2024 00:32
Updated :
Dec 05, 2024 00:32

The recently concluded COP29 in Baku left many nations, particularly climate-vulnerable countries like Bangladesh, frustrated. Despite the dire need for urgent action and financial support, the outcomes were underwhelming. The summit's most notable financial commitment-$300 billion by 2035-falls drastically short of the $1.3 trillion needed annually to address climate change's devastating impacts. For Bangladesh, which contributes minimally to global carbon emissions but suffers disproportionately from its effects, this is a stark reminder of the uphill battle ahead.

Bangladesh's predicament is dire. The country has faced five back-to-back climate-induced disasters this year alone, causing losses of $1.2 billion. Each year, a significant percentage of GDP is eroded by such natural calamities. Yet, the COP29 agreement failed to address key areas like loss and damage and adaptation funding. The inadequacy of financial commitments and the absence of accountability for who will contribute the pledged amount amplify the challenges for countries like Bangladesh.

While the international community must be held accountable, Bangladesh must also explore domestic solutions to strengthen its resilience. One such avenue is involving the private sector in climate action.

The private sector in Bangladesh holds untapped potential to support climate action. Banks, corporations, and investors can play a crucial role in mobilising resources, fostering innovation, and implementing sustainable practices. However, to fully leverage this potential, the government must create a conducive environment through policies, incentives, and regulatory frameworks.

The introduction of green bonds and sustainability-linked loans can provide a significant boost to climate projects. For example, financial institutions can issue green bonds specifically to fund renewable energy projects, sustainable infrastructure, or climate-resilient agriculture. To encourage investments, tax incentives for individuals and corporations purchasing these bonds can be a game changer.

PPP models can facilitate large-scale investments in climate adaptation and mitigation. For instance, private companies can partner with the government to build climate-resilient infrastructure, such as flood-resistant housing or solar energy grids. These collaborations can also help address the funding gap while bringing in expertise and efficiency from the private sector.

The government can encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices by offering tax breaks, reduced tariffs, or subsidies for using renewable energy, implementing waste management systems, or investing in energy-efficient technologies. A national recognition program for companies excelling in sustainability could further motivate the private sector.

The private sector thrives on innovation, and climate change offers immense opportunities for developing new technologies and solutions. Startups and small enterprises focusing on green tech, such as solar-powered appliances, eco-friendly building materials, or climate-resilient crop varieties, should be supported through grants, low-interest loans, or venture capital funds.

Private sector involvement must align with broader national efforts. All development programmes and policies must integrate climate-sensitive planning to ensure a cohesive approach. Bangladesh can lead by example, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable growth despite being a victim of global inequities.

The government can establish a national climate fund to pool contributions from both public and private entities. This fund could prioritise projects addressing loss and damage, adaptation, and mitigation. Additionally, creating a platform for regular dialogue between the government, private sector, and civil society can help align objectives and foster collaboration.

While leveraging domestic resources, Bangladesh must remain active on the global stage. As COP30 approaches in Brazil, the country should collaborate with other least developed and climate-vulnerable nations to push for a clear roadmap toward the $1.3 trillion target. Strong alliances and well-prepared position papers can amplify Bangladesh's voice in demanding accountability and equitable climate financing.

Addressing climate change requires collective action. While international commitments remain critical, mobilising the private sector offers a promising pathway for countries like Bangladesh to enhance resilience and secure sustainable growth. By incentivising investments, fostering innovation, and aligning efforts across all sectors, Bangladesh can not only mitigate the impacts of climate change but also set an example for other nations.​