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

[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

www.thedailystar.net

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.

www.thedailystar.net

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.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Have a look at the photos to see how these tribals have protected the nature

 

[Bilal9]

Bangladesh significant contributor to economic loss due to inadequate e-waste mgmt: ITU

The global loss due to inadequate e-waste management practices amounts to $37 billion annually, with Bangladesh being a significant contributor, according to a study conducted by the International Telecommunication Union...

www.newagebd.net

Bangladesh significant contributor to economic loss due to inadequate e-waste mgmt: ITU
Taufiq Hossain Mobin 03 July, 2024, 22:46

View attachment 6736
Old and worn-out electronic devices are seen at a shop in the capital Dhaka recently. The global loss due to inadequate e-waste management practices amounts to $37 billion annually, with Bangladesh being a significant contributor, according to a study conducted by the International Telecommunication Union. | New Age photo

The global loss due to inadequate e-waste management practices amounts to $37 billion annually, with Bangladesh being a significant contributor, according to a study conducted by the International Telecommunication Union.

The report 'The Global E-WASTE Monitor 2024' published by the ITU, a specialised agency of the United Nations, Bangladesh is one of the largest e-waste generators in the South Asian region and the country generated 367 million kilograms of e-waste in 2022 at a rate of 2.2 kilograms per capita.

The report defined e-waste as the waste stream that contains both hazardous and valuable materials generated from disposed electrical and electronic equipment.

The UN agency published statistics of e-waste generation in 193 countries based on the data for the year 2022, showing that a record 62 billion kilograms of e-waste were generated globally in 2022, averaging 7.8 kilograms per person a year.

The report explained that despite gaining $28 billion from metal recovery and $23 billion from reduced greenhouse gas emissions, the costs of e-waste treatment and associated health and environmental impacts remain high.

With $10 billion spent on treatment and $78 billion in externalised costs, the net result is a staggering $37 billion annual loss in global e-waste management, it said.

The externalised costs amount to an estimated $36 billion in long-term socioeconomic and environmental costs, $22 billion representing the cost of illnesses and decreases in human capital, and the average monetised value of working lives caused by mercury emissions, $19 billion arising from the release of plastic waste into the environment, less than $1 billion arising from the release of lead into the environment and its effects on wildlife and humans.

Experts said that Bangladesh was incurring loss in this sector due to lack of a formal mechanism in e-waste management, and said e-waste management could be an industry if the government had set up proper process.

Hridoy Roy, a lecturer of the chemical engineering department at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, told New Age that assessing the economic impact of e-waste management in Bangladesh would be hard for various reasons.

'One of the main reasons is currently there is no formal mechanism for collecting and recycling e-waste in the country. Policies regarding this need to be introduced accordingly,' he said.

The ITU report stated that Bangladesh had only a few licensed e-waste dismantlers, which used basic resource recovery practices that were polluting and unsafe.

In the Southern Asian region, India, Iran, Thailand and Pakistan were above Bangladesh in generating e-waste, amounting to 4,137 million kilograms, 817 million kilograms, 753 million kilograms and 559 million kilograms of e-waste respectively in 2022.

Sri Lanka, Nepal, Afghanistan, Bhutan and the Maldives stayed below Bangladesh.

Of these countries, the first three generated 175 million kilograms, 42 million kilograms, 32 million kilograms respectively and the remaining two five million kilograms each.

While not highlighting on the formal and informal e-waste management in Bangladesh, the report said that only 22.3 per cent of this e-waste was documented as formally collected and recycled in an environmentally sound manner in the global scenario.

The report said that e-waste had a direct and severe impact on the environment and people's health.

E-waste contains toxic and persistent substances, such as the flame retardants that are used in appliances and in EEE containing plastics.

It also said that several international studies of the emissions caused by open burning of various materials, including hazardous materials, highlighted the health risks of inhaling the heavy metals and brominated flame retardants contained in plastic e-waste.

Mentioning unmanaged recycling of temperature exchange equipment, such as refrigerants as another major, but often overlooked concern, the report stated that it contributed to climate change and depletion of the ozone layer.

The report observed that the ministry of environment, forest, and climate change of Bangladesh issued the e-waste Management Rules in 2021, after nearly 10 years of talks.

The rules introduce the extended producer responsibility framework for e-waste management, requiring producers of almost all EEE to register with the Department of Environment, have an approved e-waste management plan and reach collection targets of 10 per cent in 2022, increasing annually by 10 percentage points to 50 per cent by 2026.

The report said that the government of Bangladesh had been unable to implement the rules despite the progress made.​

M Shahidul Islam, chairman of the department of geography and environment at the University of Dhaka, told New Age that consumption of electrical and electronics enhanced in Bangladesh, so disposing these goods had become a matter of concern, as it was a densely populated country.

'Bangladesh has two main resources, water and soil. Either disposed EEE, or e-waste goes to water, or mixes in soil. Water and soil get polluted by the heavy metals of e-waste, such as lead,' he said.

'Specific policy and its implementation are needed for e-waste management. But e-waste management in Bangladesh is currently treated as a casual issue without much seriousness,' he added.

One of the main component of e-waste recycling is that of re-cycling plastic casings of electronics items. Other than recycling plastic drink containers, which Bangladesh is very good at recycling into PET fibre for polyester clothing etc., the recycling sector of plastic e-Waste is not as well developed.

https://www.dhakatribune.com/business/363450/factory-recycles-plastic-bottles-into-clothing

There are vibrant sectors in both Pakistan and India on re-cycling plastic casings and there are burgeoning markets for recycled items and by products in both countries, both larger commercial level products like road substrate and brick/masonry items as well as Handicraft level products. There could be opportunities to take lessons from both.

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/08/how-india-is-coming-up-with-innovative-solutions-to-tackle-waste/

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/11/4-ways-pakistan-is-tackling-plastic-waste-and-pollution/

 

[Saif]

A radical economic shift is needed to save the planet

Yunus termed the current economic framework "wrong" because it rewards destruction.

www.thedailystar.net

A radical economic shift is needed to save the planet

Visual: Anwer Sohel

At The New York Times Climate Forward, an event held in New York in September this year that discussed the climate threats faced by Bangladesh, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus was quite direct in saying that the current economic system is driving global environmental destruction and climate breakdown. This is a remarkable stance given that only a handful of world leaders dare to call out the big elephant in the room or even discuss this inconvenient truth.

Yunus termed the current economic framework "wrong" because it rewards destruction. The fundamental problem, according to him, is that modern economies are built around one destructive principle: maximising profit, even at the expense of the environment. The endless cycle of "buy, buy, buy" inevitably leads to waste, which is the very engine of the economy, while it's also driving environmental and climate crises. Every purchase fuels the fire that's burning down our home. For example, deforestation may contribute to an increase in the GDP, but it destroys ecosystems too. Similarly, tiger prawn farming in Bangladesh's southwestern coastal districts, promoted for export earnings, has wreaked havoc on the environment and local livelihoods by increasing soil salinity. This illustrates how destructive practices are justified in the name of economic growth, even as they threaten the very foundations of sustainable life and livelihood.

In the relentless pursuit of profit in our current economic structure, we ignore the immense cost of the environmental damage being inflicted on the planet. Six out of the nine planetary boundaries—critical thresholds that keep Earth habitable—are already overshot beyond their safe operating limits. These boundaries are interconnected, meaning a breach in one area, such as change in land use, affects other areas such as climate change, biodiversity loss, freshwater contamination, etc. This interconnectedness underscores the urgent need to rethink how we design our economies, lifestyles, and consumption patterns that can have positive effects across these nine boundaries, not just reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit climate change. If the breach of these boundaries stays long beyond their safe limits, the future of our planet is in jeopardy.

The chief adviser also noted that the current economic model has created staggering wealth inequality: a tiny group of elites are hoarding unimaginable wealth while the majority struggle to survive. The richest one percent has more wealth than the bottom 95 percent of the world population. In Bangladesh, both income and wealth inequalities have been exacerbated over the years; the top 10 percent of the population controls 41 percent of the country's total income, while the bottom 10 percent earns a measly 1.31 percent. It's a disgraceful and dangerous imbalance, and Yunus didn't shy away from calling out this disparity a "shame." His critique extended to the Paris Agreement, which he believes will fail as long as we operate within the same flawed profit-driven economic framework, which will never save us from ecological collapse as it is hardwired for failure. The so-called solutions we're pursuing currently—green growth, incremental reforms, greenwashed policies, non-binding international agreements, etc—are nothing but Band-Aids slapped on a gushing wound.

Growth and consumption cannot continue infinitely on a planet with finite resources; hence, GDP is not the right reference for us—it's a broken measure of success that celebrates destruction. Experts like Jason Hickel, who is a proponent of degrowth, argue that beyond a certain point, GDP growth is no longer correlated with well-being, particularly in wealthy nations in the Global North. Giorgos Kallis and others argue that the current consumption level and growth projections in the Global North will make it impossible to meet the Paris Agreement's goal to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Several reports and scientific models support this grim forecast that our current global effort is far off the track in limiting temperature rises. Continuing along the current trajectory, even with green growth, will lead to warming far above two degrees Celsius, threatening ecological collapse and the sixth mass extinction.

What, then, is the way out of the current destructive economic model? It's simple: we need to discard GDP growth as the sole measure of progress and adopt a more holistic indicator that accounts for social, ecological and economic well-being. Beyond GDP or well-being, the approach to development that prioritises equality and holistic progress, rather than simply increasing wealth for a select few, is gaining traction among economists and experts in other fields, who are calling for a new measure—one that values human well-being and planetary health over the bloated bank accounts of billionaires.

In Bangladesh, a student-led mass uprising has brought the Yunus-led interim government to power. They enjoy a broad mandate to implement sweeping reforms to rebuild the nation. Unlike elected political governments, which are less likely to pursue such reforms for transformative change, the interim government has a unique opportunity to lay the groundwork for a new economic system that Yunus called for at The New York Times event.

By establishing a commission on "well-being economy," the interim administration could lead the charge in developing a new metric to replace GDP as the primary measure of social, economic, and political progress. The chief adviser has influential friends and allies around the world, who would be ideal candidates to serve on such a commission. A new economic system focused on social, ecological, and economic well-being—rather than GDP growth that exacerbates inequality, environmental degradation, and climate breakdown—could align with the hopes and aspirations of 17 crore people of the country, paving the way for a truly new Bangladesh.

Shamir Shehab is a public policy analyst focused on the intersection of climate change, environmental sustainability, and development. He is managing partner at Catalyzing Sustainable Transformation (CaST) Network.​

 

[Saif]

No end in sight to river grab, pollution as yet

THE River Buriganga, the ecological lifeline of Dhaka, faces a slow death. The photograph that New Age published on October 30 shows unabated encroachment on the river land and the unchecked dumping of polythene bags and rubbish in the river at Islambagh in Dhaka. Untreated liquid industrial...

www.newagebd.net

No end in sight to river grab, pollution as yet
31 October, 2024, 00:00

THE River Buriganga, the ecological lifeline of Dhaka, faces a slow death. The photograph that New Age published on October 30 shows unabated encroachment on the river land and the unchecked dumping of polythene bags and rubbish in the river at Islambagh in Dhaka. Untreated liquid industrial effluents discharged into the river indiscriminately has left the river biologically dead as the level of dissolved oxygen — needed for the survival of fish and other aquatic animals — became very low. Dockyards have run illegally for decades, encroaching on the Buriganga along a stretch between Keraniganj and Narayanganj. The faulty demarcation of the river by the custodians, including the administration of two districts, the Inland Water Transport Authority and the environment department, has created further scope of encroachment. Despite High Court directives, the enactment of laws and policy-level decisions, the recently deposed Awami League-led government failed to end the pollution and encroachment on the river land. The interim government has repeatedly talked about saving rivers as its priority agenda but it has so far made no decisive move to reclaim rivers since it assumed office.

The failure of successive governments in protecting the River Buriganga as well as other rivers is a failure to perform their mandated duty. Article 18(A) of the constitution states that the state will endeavour to protect and conserve rivers, wetland and forests. Other laws — the Bangladesh Water Act 2013, the National River Conservation Commission Act 2013, and the Environment Conservation Act 1995 — also oblige the government to protect the rivers. Successive governments, however, have not taken the issue of river protection seriously. In the past, eviction drives by the Inland Water Transport Authority against dockyards excluded the ones owned and run by politically influential quarters. Industrial units near the Burganga have been in operation without treatment plants but they have rarely faced any penalty. Under pressure from green activists, the National River Conservation Commission Act was made. But, it has not structurally evolved to play an effective role. In 2012, Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority prepared a sewerage master plan, which proposed 11 sewage treatment plants in and around the city. However, most of plants are still in planning stages, encouraging an illegal use of storm sewers. In the name of road network development, public agencies violate environmental laws and encroach on river land. Roads and Highway Department statistics show that at least 35 U-turns or U-loops are constructed, filling major rivers on the Dhaka–Chattogram and Dhaka–Aricha highways. The division has filled about 30–40 feet of Karnapara canal near Savar with municipal waste to construct a U-loop on the Dhaka–Aricha highway, negatively influencing the navigability the Buriganga and its channels.

Considering that the economic and ecological integrity is dependent on the river system, the interim government should take issues of river management seriously and protect rivers from being encroached on. Errant industrial unit owners should also be held to account.​

 

[Saif]

Role of youth in fight against air pollution

AMID the lingering haze over Bangladesh’s cities, air pollution has become an escalating public health crisis. From brick kilns to traffic congestion, harmful pollutants seep into every aspect of urban life, making this not just a climate issue but a matter of human survival. These fine...

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Role of youth in fight against air pollution
Fahmida Farzana and Abdullah M Rafi 31 October, 2024, 00:00

Dust covers the main road at Shyampur in the capital Dhaka, one of the most polluted cities in the world. | New Age/Sony Ramany

AMID the lingering haze over Bangladesh’s cities, air pollution has become an escalating public health crisis. From brick kilns to traffic congestion, harmful pollutants seep into every aspect of urban life, making this not just a climate issue but a matter of human survival. These fine particulate matters — dust, soot, and smoke — can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, posing severe health risks. A study by the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute shows that air pollution is reducing the average life expectancy in Bangladesh by 6.8 years. The most vulnerable group — children, pregnant women, and low-income communities — are bearing the heaviest burden of this invisible threat.

Bangladesh’s youth are particularly at risk. Their daily commutes, reliance on crowded public transportation, and outdoor activities expose them to higher levels of pollutants, putting them at increased risk of respiratory diseases and long-term cognitive impairments. Despite government initiatives, air quality in cities as Dhaka remains critically poor, partly due to gaps in enforcement and the need for a broader multisectoral effort.

The health impacts of air pollution extend beyond respiratory diseases. There is growing evidence linking air pollution to non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive disorders such as dementia. Tackling these requires a stronger healthcare system.

As Bangladesh grapples with the consequences of poor air quality, it is the youth who can step forward, not only as victims but also as catalysts for change. Their leadership in climate action and public awareness is critical to safeguarding the health and future of the next generation, offering a path toward a healthier, more sustainable Bangladesh.

Air pollution’s dual threat

AIR pollution plagues both outdoor and indoor air in Bangladesh, giving rise to a two-pronged public health crisis. Indoor air pollution, largely caused by the burning of biomass fuels such as wood, dung, and crop residues for cooking, emits pollutants including PM2.5 and also volatile organic compounds.

Women and children spend a large amount of time in poorly ventilated spaces, increasing their vulnerability to respiratory disease since standing still for long periods allows these potential contaminants to stew. A well-known science journal, The Lancet, in 2019 showed that households that use biomass fuels are twice as likely to cause pneumonia to children under five. In Bangladesh, over 75 per cent of households continue to use solid fuels for cooking, leading to over 94,800 deaths from indoor air pollution in 2019, with 12 per cent of infant deaths also linked to household air pollution, according to the State of Global Air 2020.

Furthermore, secondhand smoking of tobacco at home is one of the biggest contributors to poor indoor air quality. A study by the ARK Foundation, conducted in collaboration with The University of York, revealed that 92 per cent of children studied were exposed to secondhand smoke at home. Here it has been highlighted that the prolonged exposure significantly raises the risk of respiratory infections and long-term health issues, such as poor academic performance and an increased likelihood of smoking later in life. With only 38.5 per cent of homes being completely smoke-free, the study calls for the urgent need to reduce SHS exposure.

Outdoor air pollution remains a major concern, particularly in urban areas. Vehicles, industries, and construction also contribute significantly to elevated levels of pollutants such as PM2.5, nitrogen oxides, and sulphur dioxide. According to the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority 2022 report, Dhaka ranks near the bottom in terms of air quality, with 1.5 million vehicles, the majority of which are deteriorating, adding to the problem. This is exacerbated by inadequate regulations on pollution and poor transportation infrastructure.

Moreover, brick kilns are an important contributor to outdoor pollution. According to the World Bank’s South Asia Air Quality Management Report 2020, Bangladesh has approximately 7000 coal-fired brickkilns that account for more than 40 per cent of PM2.5 emissions in Dhaka. These emissions are major causes of poor respiratory health in urban areas, including Rajshahi, where asthma and other forms of lung illness are on the rise.

Comprehensive measures such as the adoption of cleaner cooking technology, the reduction of secondhand smoke exposure, and the implementation of more durable vehicle emissions regulations for on-road cars to reduce both the air pollution sources are burning needs right now.

Health impacts

THE effects of air pollution are profound, particularly among vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and low- and middle-income communities. Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are associated with exposure to PM2.5, NOx, and SO2. Over 10 per cent of children living in urban areas such as Dhaka, Gazipur, and Chattogram suffer from severe respiratory diseases primarily due to exposure to air pollution.

Pregnant mothers are more likely to face preterm deliveries, low birth weight, and developmental impairments in their children as a result of extended PM2.5 exposure. Women in LMI communities are particularly vulnerable since they are exposed to both indoor biomass toxins and outdoor automobile emissions. Limited access to healthcare exacerbates these risks, further marginalising existing vulnerable individuals, as stated in the UNICEF Bangladesh Health Report 2022.

Beyond physical health, air pollution has a profound impact on mental health. Children exposed to high amounts of pollution are more likely to develop anxiety, depression, and cognitive deficits. These mental health difficulties exacerbate the already heavy burden of physical diseases in densely polluted metropolitan settings.

Air quality management

TO COMBAT pollution, the government of Bangladesh has enacted laws such as the Air Pollution Control Rules 2022 and the Brick Manufacturing Control Act; however, enforcement remains inadequate. The paper highlights that limited resources for monitoring and enforcing air quality regulations lead to significant gaps, especially in densely populated, low-income urban areas.

The absence of coordination among government organisations hinders air quality control efforts. Resource and staffing shortages hinder regular inspections, particularly in the Department of Environment, allowing polluting industries and unregulated brick kilns to operate unchecked.

The Air Quality Index is monitored by the DoE and international partners such as the US Embassy in Dhaka; however, real-time data access and monitoring system accuracy remain limited. Despite progress under the Clean Air and Sustainable Environment project, issues with enforcement and public access to data persist.

Role of youth in climate action

YOUTHS are not only the primary sufferers of the air pollution but the crucial agents of change. They participate in more outdoor activities and commute, exposing them to larger amounts of pollutants. Communities have been organised by youth-led efforts such as Fridays for Future Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Youth Environmental Initiative to urge for stronger implementation of air quality regulations. Young leaders have launched awareness campaigns, organised protests, and pushed for cleaner technologies to increase the reduction of air pollution, according to the Fridays for Future Bangladesh 2023 Action Plan.

Furthermore, university students have come up with inexpensive air cleaners and eco-friendly cooking stoves to fight indoor and outdoor pollution. Their innovations are significant in mitigating health hazards among the LMI communities exposed to the high level of air pollution. Youth-led activism has also been enhanced by organisations including UNICEF and UN-Habitat, who have provided them with opportunities to present their solutions and get hands-on experiences on international platforms, as reported by the UN-Habitat Youth Initiatives Report 2023.

To conclude, we can hope that while Bangladesh faces one of its most serious public health crises, the government will step up its effort and collaborate with non-governmental organisations to strengthen healthcare institutions and promote community resilience. While much work remains, if the government, NGOs, and youth-led groups work together, they can very well achieve cleaner air and better public health outcomes for all our citizens. It is the time to breathe hope into the air and empower the next generations.

Fahmida Farzana and Abdullah M Rafi work for the ARK Foundation, Bangladesh​

 

[Krishna with Flute]

A radical economic shift is needed to save the planet

Yunus termed the current economic framework "wrong" because it rewards destruction.

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A radical economic shift is needed to save the planet

View attachment 10170
Visual: Anwer Sohel

At The New York Times Climate Forward, an event held in New York in September this year that discussed the climate threats faced by Bangladesh, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus was quite direct in saying that the current economic system is driving global environmental destruction and climate breakdown. This is a remarkable stance given that only a handful of world leaders dare to call out the big elephant in the room or even discuss this inconvenient truth.

Yunus termed the current economic framework "wrong" because it rewards destruction. The fundamental problem, according to him, is that modern economies are built around one destructive principle: maximising profit, even at the expense of the environment. The endless cycle of "buy, buy, buy" inevitably leads to waste, which is the very engine of the economy, while it's also driving environmental and climate crises. Every purchase fuels the fire that's burning down our home. For example, deforestation may contribute to an increase in the GDP, but it destroys ecosystems too. Similarly, tiger prawn farming in Bangladesh's southwestern coastal districts, promoted for export earnings, has wreaked havoc on the environment and local livelihoods by increasing soil salinity. This illustrates how destructive practices are justified in the name of economic growth, even as they threaten the very foundations of sustainable life and livelihood.

In the relentless pursuit of profit in our current economic structure, we ignore the immense cost of the environmental damage being inflicted on the planet. Six out of the nine planetary boundaries—critical thresholds that keep Earth habitable—are already overshot beyond their safe operating limits. These boundaries are interconnected, meaning a breach in one area, such as change in land use, affects other areas such as climate change, biodiversity loss, freshwater contamination, etc. This interconnectedness underscores the urgent need to rethink how we design our economies, lifestyles, and consumption patterns that can have positive effects across these nine boundaries, not just reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit climate change. If the breach of these boundaries stays long beyond their safe limits, the future of our planet is in jeopardy.

The chief adviser also noted that the current economic model has created staggering wealth inequality: a tiny group of elites are hoarding unimaginable wealth while the majority struggle to survive. The richest one percent has more wealth than the bottom 95 percent of the world population. In Bangladesh, both income and wealth inequalities have been exacerbated over the years; the top 10 percent of the population controls 41 percent of the country's total income, while the bottom 10 percent earns a measly 1.31 percent. It's a disgraceful and dangerous imbalance, and Yunus didn't shy away from calling out this disparity a "shame." His critique extended to the Paris Agreement, which he believes will fail as long as we operate within the same flawed profit-driven economic framework, which will never save us from ecological collapse as it is hardwired for failure. The so-called solutions we're pursuing currently—green growth, incremental reforms, greenwashed policies, non-binding international agreements, etc—are nothing but Band-Aids slapped on a gushing wound.

Growth and consumption cannot continue infinitely on a planet with finite resources; hence, GDP is not the right reference for us—it's a broken measure of success that celebrates destruction. Experts like Jason Hickel, who is a proponent of degrowth, argue that beyond a certain point, GDP growth is no longer correlated with well-being, particularly in wealthy nations in the Global North. Giorgos Kallis and others argue that the current consumption level and growth projections in the Global North will make it impossible to meet the Paris Agreement's goal to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Several reports and scientific models support this grim forecast that our current global effort is far off the track in limiting temperature rises. Continuing along the current trajectory, even with green growth, will lead to warming far above two degrees Celsius, threatening ecological collapse and the sixth mass extinction.

What, then, is the way out of the current destructive economic model? It's simple: we need to discard GDP growth as the sole measure of progress and adopt a more holistic indicator that accounts for social, ecological and economic well-being. Beyond GDP or well-being, the approach to development that prioritises equality and holistic progress, rather than simply increasing wealth for a select few, is gaining traction among economists and experts in other fields, who are calling for a new measure—one that values human well-being and planetary health over the bloated bank accounts of billionaires.

In Bangladesh, a student-led mass uprising has brought the Yunus-led interim government to power. They enjoy a broad mandate to implement sweeping reforms to rebuild the nation. Unlike elected political governments, which are less likely to pursue such reforms for transformative change, the interim government has a unique opportunity to lay the groundwork for a new economic system that Yunus called for at The New York Times event.

By establishing a commission on "well-being economy," the interim administration could lead the charge in developing a new metric to replace GDP as the primary measure of social, economic, and political progress. The chief adviser has influential friends and allies around the world, who would be ideal candidates to serve on such a commission. A new economic system focused on social, ecological, and economic well-being—rather than GDP growth that exacerbates inequality, environmental degradation, and climate breakdown—could align with the hopes and aspirations of 17 crore people of the country, paving the way for a truly new Bangladesh.

Shamir Shehab is a public policy analyst focused on the intersection of climate change, environmental sustainability, and development. He is managing partner at Catalyzing Sustainable Transformation (CaST) Network.​

Bamboo based economy has the potential to make this world pollution free and simultaneously take care of housing problem of planet. If I get some time, I will discuss this in detail. Bamboo can take care of energy challenge, Pollution problem and housing problem simultaneously will generating huge employment.

 

[Saif]

Bamboo based economy has the potential to make this world pollution free and simultaneously take care of housing problem of planet. If I get some time, I will discuss this in detail. Bamboo can take care of energy challenge, Pollution problem and housing problem simultaneously will generating huge employment.

Never heard of bamboo based economy before. Looking forward to knowing more about it from you in the future.

 

[Saif]

Of rivers and people

The present leadership must prioritise the development of these two assets of Bangladesh for a sustainable and prosperous future.

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Of rivers and people
How we neglect our two biggest assets

People cross the Buriganga River by boat near the Sadarghat area in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on March 28, 2023. FILE PHOTO: REUTERS

Ever since my student days in the late 60s and early 70s, and later throughout my 52 years in journalism, I have tried to analyse our development strategies and understand how our experts planned our future. It does not require too much thinking to realise that our two biggest assets are our people and rivers. I always wondered why our planners did not use them as the centrepiece of all their thinking and planning.

If we look at our map, it becomes obvious how widespread our river network is and how amazingly it reaches every nook and corner of the country. It is almost like the network of nerves through which oxygen-rich blood flows to every part of the body to keep us alive and healthy.

Just imagine what we could have done with our rivers. Every part of Bangladesh could have had easy access in terms of transport of people, goods and services. Transportation could have been cheap, dependable and democratic as all strata of our population could access them. What's more, given the climate crisis, we could have made it an environment-friendly transport system. Rivers are our nature-gifted infrastructure of communication. Of course, we need roads, but building a communication network through rivers could have made a most attractive, productive and pro-poor alternative.

Instead, what we have done with our rivers has been unthinking, destructive, and near suicidal. We never adequately valued them, nor did we develop any comprehensive plan that would integrate them with our overall development strategy. We never even performed the most rudimentary functions to maintain them. We never dredged them adequately. So, over the years, silt and sediments accumulated and raised our riverbeds and clogged the water flow. In addition, we built dams, culverts, sluice gates and elevated roads without adequate planning to maintain the water flow, and on occasions diverting them in ways that harmed our rivers.

Then we poured poison into them. All city sewers went into them. But what was disastrous was the dumping of poisonous industrial waste into the rivers. Just imagine: millions of tonnes of poison-laden waste were released into our beautiful, life-giving, food-supplying rivers ceaselessly for years. To put it bluntly, we killed our rivers.

The number of rivers in Bangladesh was originally estimated to be around 1,200. Later, the figure was revised to about 700, and now the official estimate is 405. The National River Conservation Commission, however, says the number is 907. The ones that are still around, in spite of our neglect, are so polluted that, in some, even bacteria cannot survive. We have made our process of industrialisation fundamentally anti-nature. This cannot be sustained. We are jeopardising our own future.

Our other story of neglect is of our people. Our biggest asset—our human resource, especially the youth. We all know that we are among the most densely populated countries in the world. We could have also become a highly productive country if we had educated this population, trained them with appropriate skills, and equipped them with the right technological tools. Instead, we played with the future of our youth.

From the moment in human history when humans became surplus producers, we started accumulating wealth. As we became divided into nations and formed our own separate countries, the wealth of each country depended on how productive its citizens were. With the Industrial Revolution, productivity reached new levels and technologically advanced countries became rich. All these lessons are right in front of us.

Instead of educating our people for the 21st century, we left them unskilled, so they remained unprepared to navigate the world of artificial intelligence, and were forced to opt for the lower-level unskilled jobs when seeking employment abroad. How could we not have spent more on education and healthcare, and equip our people with greater skills and entrepreneurship to bring home the unimaginable opportunities that the modern world has to offer? How could we have missed the point that the present is a world of ideas? Yes, infrastructure is needed, but creativity is needed much more. How could we have not seen that some of the world's biggest conglomerates are mere products of ideas—Google, Amazon, Uber, Airbnb, Microsoft, etc? Even Apple, which builds some of the most amazing phones, is driven by ideas.

I have often wondered about what we have done, in the 53 years of our independent existence, in the field of education. We have had several education commissions since 1971. What were their outcomes? The Qudrat-i-Khuda Education Commission, established in 1972, aimed to establish a new education system to meet the needs of the new nation moving away from its colonial past as well as the Pakistani version of it. There was no shortage of education commissions: Mofizuddin Ahmed Commission in 1987; Shamsul Huque Commission in 1997; National Education Policy Formulation Committee in 2000; and Kabir Chowdhury Commission in 2009.

Except for the first, no other education commission acquired the needed prestige and clout to have any impact. Some significant political changes occurred which had their own impact on the commissions' findings and their subsequent implementation.

Like everything else in Bangladesh, education is a highly politicised affair. Each regime has tried to impose its own political philosophies and views on the students through control and change in school curricula. As the Awami League was the longest-serving party in government, it did the maximum damage. One of the political aims of the AL regime was to show that during its tenure, students were better educated than before. Hence, emphasis came on the quantity rather than quality, with larger and larger numbers of students being shown as passed in public examinations. Quality and learning discipline were largely abandoned.

Later, when it became evident that passing an exam was losing all meaning and that students at the college and university levels couldn't take the burden of higher learning, quality began to receive increased attention. By then, much ground was lost.

Coming back to our planning for the future, we urge the present leadership to finally put emphasis on the two assets—rivers and people—that can be our passport for a sustainable and prosperous future. Given all the uncertainties that the world now faces, having well-educated, appropriately skilled and sufficiently trained human resources will be the most appropriate development policy to follow.

So here we are, facing an ever-changing world, technological innovation of unimaginable potential, social transformation of unpredictable consequences, and a future of unknown—and in many ways unknowable—realities with a population totally unprepared to deal with the impact.

As we celebrate the new opportunities opened up by the recent student-led people's uprising, we must, with utmost urgency, start focusing on the future. The two assets referred to above are our best options.

Mahfuz Anam is the editor and publisher of The Daily Star.​

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Never heard of bamboo based economy before. Looking forward to knowing more about it from you in the future.

If we plant bamboos on large scale, we can make methanol out of that to make bio methanol fuel. It can be used to construct very environment friendly houses. Bamboo absorbs pollution on large scale. Large scale plantation can finish off pollution.Recently, I visited my friend"s farm. I advised him to add sugarcane peels which remains after sugarcane juice is extracted. He said it is very costly. I told him that they are available free. He said me that it is an old story. Since it is used to make methanol, it's cost has escalated very high. Bamboo is a perfect material to make fuel for flex engine.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Never heard of bamboo based economy before. Looking forward to knowing more about it from you in the future.

Listen to this.



Bamboo can be used to make houses, cloths, Shoes, used as pickles, make drinks, bio fuel, construct bamboo bridges and even automobiles. It is No 1 in pollution absorption.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

First organic state of India, Sikkim.

YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

vUV8W8g6QmE?si=pVlVCdvUfyxCJyKM

 

[Krishna with Flute]

India's Food Consumption Pattern Emerges As Most Sustainable, As Per WWF Report​

India's Food Consumption Pattern Emerges As Most Sustainable, As Per WWF Report

If all nations followed the consumption pattern of India, the world would need less than "one Earth" to meet food demands, the report suggests.

food.ndtv.com

 

[Saif]

No one has right to grab canals, rivers

Canals and rivers are national assets and no one has the right to grab and pollute those, said Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan yesterday.

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No one has right to grab canals, rivers
Says Rizwana; nationwide cleaning drive launched

File photo

Canals and rivers are national assets and no one has the right to grab and pollute those, said Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan yesterday.

She said a canal cleaning campaign is being implemented in all 64 districts as part of the ongoing effort to make the country's waterways free from pollution.

"Although the campaign will officially run till November 15, efforts to keep these waterways clean will continue. There will have a local committee for each canal to prevent pollution," she added.

Rizwana was speaking as the chief guest at the national launch of the canal cleaning drive across 64 districts, held at Tri-Mohini Eidgah ground at Rampura, Dhaka.

Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain officially inaugurated the canal cleaning campaign at Rampura-Zirani canal, marking the National Youth Day 2024.

Rizwana urged the volunteers and the youth to take on the national responsibility of keeping the canals free from pollution.

She said presenting the future generations with pollution-free canals and rivers will be one of the major successes of the Youth Day.​

 

[Krishna with Flute]

 

[Saif]

Govt has issues to shore up to offset Rampal’s evil impact

THE detrimental effects that the Centre for Environmental and Geographic Information Services says the coal-based Rampal Power Plant has on the environment of the Sunderbans are...

www.newagebd.net

Govt has issues to shore up to offset Rampal’s evil impact
04 November, 2024, 00:00

THE detrimental effects that the Centre for Environmental and Geographic Information Services says the coal-based Rampal Power Plant has on the environment of the Sunderbans are appalling. The hazard that the Bangladesh-India joint venture plant has forced on the environment is, however, all that experts predicted well before the plant’s installation. The Centre for Environmental and Geographic Information Services, a state-owned entity, in its latest assessment says the 1.23GW plant, commissioned in October 2022, has been running without an effluent treatment, adversely affecting the River Maidara with a direct discharge of wastewater. The handling of coal unloaded from the ship being carried over a distance of 25 metres on a conveyor belt runs uncovered, which releases coal ash into the air and water, the assessment conducted in February–April says. Coal sheds, coal stack yard and ash silos are not yet finished, resulting in the pollution of water with an increased concentration of the total dissolved solids such as mercury, nitrate and phosphate. No bird’s nest was spotted in the project area during the assessment. Construction materials and wastes were still piled up in the area and there is no sewage management system. Waterkeepers Bangladesh, which works to protect water and water bodies, says that all this might be the tip of iceberg.

When green campaigners earlier held brief against the installation of the power plant within 14 kilometres of the Sunderbans, citing its likely adverse impact on the environment, the energy adviser to the now deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina brushed aside the opposition to the plant’s installation saying that the impact that the campaigners were talking about was ‘not based on facts.’ What is disparaging about this is that the Centre for Environmental and Geographic Information Services that time certified the project as ‘not being environmentally harmful’ in its environmental impact assessment. The institution went to great lengths to oppose local and international experts. The institution has always manipulated reports seeking to please successive governments. It was also earlier predicted that the steps promised to keep the power plant as clean as possible could not be achieved as such steps would only add to the production cost. Inhabitants of the area now allege illness such as breathing problems. Although the Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company Ltd, which owns the power plant, has rejected the assessment, experts believe that the situation on the ground is harsher than what the state entity’s report has come up with, noting that the entity has not pointed out most of the violations in its previous assessment reports. Green campaigners now want a transparent assessment of the plant on the environment.

The power plant is affecting the country economically, ecologically and socially. The country cannot even use a half of the plant’s capacity because of fuel shortage and technical glitches. The government should, therefore, conduct an unbiased assessment, shore up issues that would reduce the detrimental impact of the plant on the environment based on the assessment. It could weigh options to close down the plant in the long run.​

 

[Saif]

Finding balance and peace with nature

Improving our relationship with nature is the best way at the moment to address the consequences of climate change.

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Finding balance and peace with nature
The spirit of local knowledge, open source of information, and universalising access to technologies should be the foundation of the Global Biodiversity Framework.

In a densely populated country like Bangladesh, convincing locals to spare land for biodiversity has been challenging. FILE PHOTO: STAR

The 16th Conference of Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) wrapped up on Saturday in Cali, Colombia. This was the first biodiversity COP since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) at COP15 held in Montreal, Canada in December 2022. The parties (governments) and other stakeholders will review the state of implementation of the GBF and show the alignment of the respective National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) with the framework. A major focus of COP16 was on capacity-building, monitoring, and advanced resource mobilisation for the GBF. The event also saw the adoption of a multilateral mechanism on the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the use of digital sequence information on genetic resources. In addition, the parties provided updates on the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing.

Improving our relationship with nature is the best way at the moment to address the consequences of climate change. The ecosystems around us, such as forests, wetlands, and mangroves, are natural machines for mitigating climate change. Forests alone absorb about 2.6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually, which is one-third of the CO2 released by burning fossil fuels. Besides, mangroves and seagrass meadows can store five to ten times more CO2 per hectare than terrestrial forests. Forest restoration and wetland conservation could reduce up to 37 percent of the emissions to meet the Paris Agreement targets by 2030. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlighted the importance of the protection and restoration of natural ecosystems to remove an additional one billion tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere by 2050.

However, we are aware that deforestation across the world due to agriculture has caused about 12-15 percent of global CO2 emissions, which is equivalent to the emission of the entire transportation sector. Around 10 million hectares of forest were lost during the period of 2015-2020. The global reforestation effort could sequester around 205 gigatonnes of carbon. Over $44 trillion of global GDP (approximately half of the world's economic output) is mostly dependent on ecosystem services, i.e. water filtration, climate regulation, and pollination, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF). However, biodiversity loss could reduce global GDP by $2.7 trillion annually by 2030. According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), investment in biodiversity and ecosystem restoration could yield up to $9 for every $1. Sustainable practices like renewable energy, smart agriculture, and conservation could create 395 million jobs across the world by 2030.

The 15th Amendment to the Constitution of Bangladesh (2011) affirmed the state's responsibility for biodiversity preservation. We then went on to enact several legal instruments, such as the Ecologically Critical Areas Management Rules, 2016, Protected Area Management Rules, 2017, and the Bangladesh Biodiversity Act, 2017. As a result, the country now has 13 ecological hotspots and 22 protected areas to conserve biodiversity. We also have a National Conservation Policy (2016-2031) in place to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources, including biodiversity. The government's eighth Five-Year Plan (2020-2025) and the long-term Delta Plan 2100 integrate water, land, environment, and biodiversity to mitigate climate change risks and reduce biodiversity loss.

The National Adaptation Plan (2023-2050) prioritises biodiversity conservation and climate action, nature-based solutions, and the establishment of forest and coastal zone policies. These reflect the country's long-term commitment to preserving biodiversity. Bangladesh established its National Biosafety Framework in 2006 to regulate biotechnology and manage risks associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs), in line with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. The policy interpretation and implementation acceleration remain a challenge. The biodiversity fiscal and biodiversity literacy along with common understanding across all ministries and stakeholders are the major turning points. The government may consider implementing tax exemptions on investments in biodiversity and ecosystem conservation activities and subsequent income to accelerate the momentum.

Bangladesh, like all other countries in the multi-stakeholder review process, has updated the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan (NBSAP) for 2021-2030 based on the Global Biodiversity Framework. The updated NBSAP will include a multilateral mechanism for equitable resource-sharing, documentation of local knowledge, community and civil society engagement, a data repository blueprint, and guidelines for digital sequence information (DSI). However, it should simplify reporting mechanisms to avoid overburdening resource-limited sectors and be integrated into the National Development Planning (NDP). The alignment of the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and relevant reporting related to other frameworks and conventions may enable efficient reporting.

The spirit of local knowledge, open source of information, and universalising access to technologies should be the foundation of the Global Biodiversity Framework. Global action through the exchange of understanding with local communities is needed to understand the short- and long-term benefits of their involvement in biodiversity conservation. In a densely populated country like Bangladesh, convincing locals to spare land for biodiversity has been challenging, as they prioritise living, farming, and grazing more. However, mobilising communities, local government, academia, and the Forest Department in restoration has brought in significant outcomes, bringing a win-win balance between nature and community in protection, livelihood, and ecosystem.

Kazi Amdadul Hoque is a climate, development, and humanitarian activist.​

 

[Saif]

Environmental violation rampant at Rampal

The government’s latest assessment of environmental and other compliances of the Rampal power plant has revealed rampant violations, exposing lives and nature to the hazards predicted by...

www.newagebd.net

Environmental violation rampant at Rampal
Emran Hossain 02 November, 2024, 23:59

The government’s latest assessment of environmental and other compliances of the Rampal power plant has revealed rampant violations, exposing lives and nature to the hazards predicted by experts well before the plant’s installment, to which the Sheikh Hasina regime refused to pay heed.

The assessment conducted by the state-owned institution, the Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services, also revealed that the 1,234MW coal-based power plant had been running without an effluent treatment plant in operation since October 2022, releasing wastewater directly into the Maidara River.

Handling of coal from unloading the fuel from the ship to carrying it along the 25 meter conveyer belt involves no covering at all, releasing coal ash into the air and river, endangering bio-diversity and ecology, the report of the assessment conducted between February and April said.

Facilities such as coal-shed, coal stack yard and ash silo are not yet finished as per the plan. As a result, the environment is being polluted and evidence found during the assessment indicates increases in the concentration of total dissolved solids in water and pollutants such as mercury, nitrate and phosphate levels in some of the study areas.

No bird nest was spotted during the assessment conducted in the project area, including Karamjal, Harbaria, Akram Point, Hiron Point, and Sutarkhali Forest, while vanishing grazing grounds resulted in a drop in the population of domesticated animals, the report said.

The plant’s workers live in horrible conditions with construction materials and waste piled up in the area where they live without any sewerage management system in place, exposed to constant air pollution from the open coal handling.

‘What the CEGIS is saying must be the tip of the iceberg,’ Waterkeepers Bangladesh coordinator Sharif Jamil said.

Experts were surprised by the CEGIS report being so revealing about a project that the institute certified as ‘not environmentally harmful’ in its environmental impact assessment.

The CEGIS went to a great extent to oppose local and global experts to support the Rampal project, a joint venture of Bangladesh and Indian governments, located 14 kilometres north of the world’s largest mangrove forest, the Sunderbans, also a UNESCO world heritage site, the experts reminded.

The CEGIS always manipulated reports seeking to please successive governments, including the Sheikh Hasina regime that was overthrown by a student-led uprising on August 5.

‘We want a transparent assessment of the impacts of the controversial Rampal power project,’ said Hasan Mehedi, member secretary of the Bangladesh Working Group on Ecology and Development, a platform of green activists.

The lack of integrated dust control system and the absence of covering over the coal conveyor belt from the jetty area to the first transportation point allowed the coal ash to be dispersed in the air and nearby water bodies, the report said.

There is no enclosure over the grabber of the excavator as well as it unloaded coal from lighterage, causing air and river water pollution, the report said.

Sand and construction materials were found heaped inside the plant premises and at the labour shed with the roads and lanes around it littered with organic and inorganic waste, the report said.

The concentration of particulate matter, especially PM2.5 and PM10, was found to be higher in the project’s adjacent area than in the other areas, the report said, attributing the existence of the concentration to increased emissions from Power plant activities, and combustion of gasoline, oil, diesel fuel.

Where the mother vessels importing coal anchor and lighterages receive the delivery to take it to the shore, the CEGIS found the concentration of total dissolved solids higher than in other sites.

The levels of nitrate and phosphate, on the other hand, were found to exceed at most of the sites than the standard, the report said, blaming upstream anthropogenic activities.

Similarly, the sulphate concentrations were found relatively higher in the post-monsoon and winter periods than in the monsoon seasons, the report said.

The maximum concentration for arsenic and lead was found in Akram point whereas mercury maximized at Harbaria. The points are the places where mother vessels and lighterage gather.

‘Ships carrying coal produce black water containing solid waste. Ships tend to dump the waste directly into the water without proper monitoring,’ said Abdullah Harun Chowdhury, who teaches environmental science at Khulna University.

Harun, who became the subject of a government witch hunt back in 2012 for publishing a scientific article predicting the potential impacts of the Rampal power plant, was not surprised by the absence of ETP or wastewater being discharged into the Maidara River without treatment.

‘It was well in the prediction that steps promised to keep the power plant as clean as possible are not attainable because they will increase production cost,’ he said.

The report said that the flue gas desulfurization for unit-1 of the power plant is ready for operation, implying that it was not used so far. Also known as FGD, the device is used to free coal from sulphur before using it as fuel.

Locals have long alleged that the power plant releases massive black smoke when coal is burned. Locals also alleged developing sicknesses such as problems with their breathing.

Anwarul Azim, deputy general manager of Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company Limited, the mother company of the Rampal power plant, rejected the finding of the report.

‘ETP was fully operational even before commissioning of Unit-I,’ he said in a written message, adding, ‘The maximum possible length of jetty conveyor is covered.’

He said that both the ETP and sewerage treatment plant are operational.

‘As far as mercury is concerned, we have no source of the pollutant to be discharged to water bodies,’ he wrote.

CEGIS deputy executive director Mostafa Ali, however, said that the ETP became operational after the second last quarter while the STP was yet to be operational.

‘There might be some mistakes in the report,’ he said.

Experts believe the truth is uglier than the picture painted by the CEGIS report. They said that the CEGIS did not point out most of the violations in its previous assessments.

‘The power plant is affecting us economically, ecologically and socially. The loss is far greater than the benefit from generating power in the plant,’ said Harun.

Ever since its construction, Bangladesh could not use even half of the plant’s capacity because of fuel crisis and technical glitches. The power plant gets over Tk 2,000 crore as capacity charge.

‘The power plant should immediately be closed down,’ said Harun.​

 

[Saif]

Overcoming most damaging impacts of climate

The projection is one of the direst, if not the direst. Bangladesh is set to lose, warns the Asian Development Bank, 16.2 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2070. By 2050, the country's population is projected to reach 202 million although it is likely to drop to 170 million in another 50

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Overcoming most damaging impacts of climate
Editorial
Published :
Nov 06, 2024 23:44
Updated :
Nov 06, 2024 23:44

The projection is one of the direst, if not the direst. Bangladesh is set to lose, warns the Asian Development Bank, 16.2 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2070. By 2050, the country's population is projected to reach 202 million although it is likely to drop to 170 million in another 50 years. By that time, as another UN agency the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has also hoisted the danger signal recently, 17 per cent of the country's territory will get submerged due to sea-level rise, leading to 30 per cent loss of its agricultural land. The country can count it lucky that the GDP loss will not be even more. In between now and 2070, there are only 45 years, considered the most productive period for a whole generation. During the time, even if the population size declines from its peak 202 million to 180-190 million and the projected territory loss takes hold and the consequent exodus of coastal people towards urban centres happens, how disastrous will be the climatic convulsion for this small country?

What percentage of GDP loss will be due to sea-level rise or flooding or other climatic adversities is immaterial to people who have to abandon their home and hearth and become climate refugees. A land-scarce country, Bangladesh is not economically strong enough to mitigate the sufferings of the victims of the river erosions. When inhabitants of the 17 per cent of territory lost to sea-level rise will look for shelter elsewhere, the country has no excess land to distribute among them for housing. It is a stark reality staring in the face of the country. Ranked 9th in the Global Climate Risk Index, 2023, Bangladesh is likely to plunge into an unmitigated crisis it has never faced before. Its food security will be seriously compromised with the loss of 30 per cent of its agricultural land.

The country has recorded population growth of 1.03 and 1.23 per cents in 2022, 2023 respectively and it is projected to be 1.22 per cent in 2024. If nothing happens unexpectedly to reduce the population size, the country will have to feed the greatest number of mouths around the time climate takes its greatest toll. Sure enough, the growth rate of population is reasonable and it will continue to decline like advanced industrial countries after that point of time. But unlike those advanced countries, Bangladesh with a smaller territory already boasts a burgeoning population. More importantly, the majority of the population have not received quality education and skills enjoying high demands abroad for migration.

Clearly, demographic planning is crucially important with a greater focus on developing the competence of the underprivileged. This is highly compatible with the inherent theme of establishing a discrimination-free society---a rallying cry of the anti-discrimination movement. Redistribution of national wealth alone can and should be the preserve of and priority before the governments assuming power henceforth. Time is short and the interim government has even a shorter time to shape a roadmap for gradually reducing inequality in society by the governments to follow. Obviously, the initiative has to be made by the country itself and the partners in progress may be requested to join the move in order to develop resilience against adverse climatic impacts.​

 

[Saif]

Now is the time to act against river, canal encroachers, says Rizwana

Now is the right time to take exemplary action against encroachers of rivers and canals, says Environment Adviser Rizwana Hasan. Speaking to journalists during a visit to the Sirajganj Town Protection Embankment at Hard Point and the Crossbar-3 area on Wednesday afternoon, Rizwana stressed the imp

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Now is the time to act against river, canal encroachers, says Rizwana
bdnews24.com
Published :
Nov 07, 2024 19:52
Updated :
Nov 07, 2024 19:52

Now is the right time to take exemplary action against encroachers of rivers and canals, says Environment Adviser Rizwana Hasan.

Speaking to journalists during a visit to the Sirajganj Town Protection Embankment at Hard Point and the Crossbar-3 area on Wednesday afternoon, Rizwana stressed the importance of immediate action, warning that delays could make future efforts slower and less effective.

The adviser explained that the Jamuna River, with its constant cycle of erosion and rebuilding, presents unique challenges.

"We must act swiftly now, as any delay could hinder progress," she said.

Rizwana said the Water Development Board (WDB) has been instructed to conduct public hearings by January to identify priority projects, according to a press release issued by the environment ministry.

These projects will be listed and submitted to the ministry as directed.

The adviser said that since there is no political government in power at the moment, WDB offices have been instructed to compile project lists through public consultations, in which she herself intends to participate.

“Our budget is limited compared to the extent and severity of river erosion. Therefore, resources allocated to this ministry will be equitably distributed across prioritised districts to ensure no area feels neglected,” she said.

Rizwana highlighted the need for sustainable solutions, including resettling landless people in newly emerged river areas and promoting afforestation projects.

She said allowing industrial development in these newly formed river areas could lead to increased pollution in the river.

In response to a question, the advisor said that she had given instructions to the ministry the previous day to ensure proper oversight of all plans and projects.

She emphasised that, from planning to implementation, it must be verified whether contractors are purchasing the correct materials, whether the allocated budget matches the actual project costs, and whether the quality of materials meets the required standards.

To ensure this, a committee has been formed, with the directive that a local representative or a student be included in the committee.

The head of the committee will be an external expert, not affiliated with the government.​