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

[Saif]

Politics has ‘weaponised’ science

The UN’s climate chief yesterday said that the science of global warming had been “weaponised” by politics, a day after Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris Agreement.

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Politics has ‘weaponised’ science
Says UN climate chief after Trump orders US withdrawal from Paris Agreement

The UN's climate chief yesterday said that the science of global warming had been "weaponised" by politics, a day after Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris Agreement.

Simon Stiell said that shifting geopolitical events could not change the hard facts that underpin climate change and the disastrous consequences linked to a warming planet.

Last year was the hottest on record. Stiell said that support for climate science was "far, far more significant than those few voices that challenge" it.

"The science has actually been weaponised, and again that is reflective of the politics," he told an audience at the World Economic Forum in Davos.​

 

[Saif]

Billionaire Bloomberg to fund UN climate body after US withdrawal

Bloomberg's intervention aims to ensure the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) remains fully funded

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Billionaire Bloomberg to fund UN climate body after US withdrawal

File photo

Billionaire Michael Bloomberg announced Thursday that his foundation will step in to fund the UN climate change body after President Donald Trump declared the United States would withdraw from the Paris Agreement for the second time.

Bloomberg's intervention aims to ensure the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) remains fully funded despite the United States halting its contributions.

The United States typically provides 22 percent of the UNFCCC secretariat's budget, with the body's operating costs for 2024-2025 projected at 88.4 million euros ($96.5 million).

"From 2017 to 2020, during a period of federal inaction, cities, states, businesses, and the public rose to the challenge to uphold our nation's commitments -- and now, we are ready to do it again," Bloomberg, who serves as the UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions, said in a statement.

This marks the second time Bloomberg has stepped in to fill the gap left by US federal disengagement.

In 2017, following the Trump administration's first withdrawal from the Paris accord, Bloomberg pledged up to $15 million to support the UNFCCC.

He also launched "America's Pledge," an initiative to track and report US non-federal climate commitments, ensuring the world could monitor US progress as if it were still a fully committed party to the Paris Agreement.

Bloomberg reiterated his commitment to upholding US reporting obligations this time as well.

"Contributions like this are vital in enabling the UN Climate Change secretariat to support countries in fulfilling their commitments under the Paris Agreement and advancing a low-emission, resilient, and safer future for all," said UN climate chief Simon Stiell.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh must switch to hollow blocks to reduce pollution

Clay bricks cost Tk 12 per piece. A hollow block, which is four times larger than a clay brick, is priced at Tk 50.

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Bangladesh must switch to hollow blocks to reduce pollution
Says Concord Group Managing Director Shahriar Kamal

Clay bricks cost Tk 12 per piece. A hollow block, which is four times larger than a clay brick, is priced at Tk 50.

This price difference suggests a competitive edge for clay bricks in the construction market.

But the true cost of traditional bricks extends far beyond their purchase price.

Overlooked factors include Dhaka's frequent ranking as one of the world's most polluted cities. This severe air pollution, largely caused by brick kilns, is responsible for a tragically shortened lifespan for many people.

"This cannot continue," said Shahriar Kamal, managing director of the construction conglomerate Concord Group, in an interview with The Daily Star. "To reduce pollution, we need to switch to green alternatives as soon as possible."

Kamal's firm has been producing concrete and hollow blocks since 1998.

They built the 17-acre Lake City Concord township in Dhaka entirely without using a single clay brick. This township comprises 14 buildings, each rising to 16 storeys.

Given the longstanding reliance on clay bricks in the local construction sector, questions naturally arise regarding the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and urgency of transitioning to hollow blocks.

Traditional brick kilns extract clay by stripping topsoil from fertile lands, resulting in an annual loss of around 1 percent of the country's arable land.

This practice not only devastates agricultural productivity but also involves the burning of vast amounts of coal and wood, releasing harmful particulates and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

"The process is unsustainable," said Kamal. "As construction demand increases each year, the environmental toll intensifies."

In contrast, hollow blocks are manufactured using a more sustainable approach. They are produced with materials such as fly ash, cement, and other industrial by-products. This process does not require burning, as the blocks are simply dried.

According to Kamal, hollow blocks are lighter but have superior strength. Therefore, they are suitable for construction in earthquake-prone regions like Bangladesh.

"Buildings constructed with hollow blocks are much lighter than those built with traditional bricks," he explained. "This reduced weight offers an advantage during earthquakes, minimising the risk of collapse and subsequent casualties."

According to the Managing Director of Concord Group, although hollow blocks offer many advantages, the adoption rate of eco-friendly bricks remains low. Only 5-8 percent of bricks currently in use are eco-friendly.

For the slow shift, he said a lack of awareness among builders, insufficient training for construction workers in the use of these blocks, and a strong entrenched preference for traditional bricks are responsible.

"Many workers are not familiar with how to work with these blocks," said Kamal. "For example, traditional bricks require soaking before use, whereas hollow blocks are installed dry."

"We arranged training for the workers several times," he said, "but this effort needs to be scaled up with government support to ensure nationwide adoption."

Kamal acknowledged that cost is another barrier to the widespread adoption of eco-friendly bricks.

"While eco-friendly bricks may have a slightly higher initial cost compared to traditional bricks, they offer long-term savings," he commented. "Proper planning and mindful design can reduce overall construction costs by about 15 percent."

In 2020, the government announced a policy to replace traditional bricks with eco-friendly blocks in all public projects. This policy aimed to achieve a 10 percent adoption rate in fiscal year (FY) 2019-20, with a gradual phasing out of clay bricks by FY25.

However, slack monitoring and enforcement have hindered progress towards these ambitious goals.

"Implementation is key," Kamal stressed. "We need strong inter-ministerial coordination, led by the Ministry of Environment, to oversee the implementation of these policies. Regulatory bodies like Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) must also play a crucial role by enforcing these targets in private-sector construction projects."

He pointed to successful examples from countries like China and India, where the adoption of eco-friendly bricks has been accelerated through a combination of financial incentives, strict enforcement of environmental regulations, and comprehensive public awareness campaigns.

Kamal said their facilities have the capacity to manufacture 200,000 eco-friendly bricks, blocks, and tiles every eight hours. But, without enough demand, they cannot operate at full capacity.

He called for a range of policy measures to stimulate demand, including financial incentives for manufacturers of eco-friendly building materials and penalties on polluting industries to ensure accountability.

"The polluters must pay," he commented.

"This isn't just about bricks," he said. "It's about rethinking how we build our cities and protect our people. Change is difficult, but it is necessary — and it begins with each of us."

Currently, the size of the traditional brick industry is around Tk 9,000 crore, while the concrete block market is only at Tk 200 crore.

Bangladesh produces an estimated 2,300 crore bricks annually. Concrete blocks currently account for a relatively small share of this market, constituting roughly 6-7 percent of the total.

There are 164 registered factories producing concrete blocks, with an annual production capacity of 214 crore blocks. However, considering the unregistered factories, the total number is more than 250.

Kamal said the concrete block market is projected to capture up to 50 percent of the market share by 2030, due mainly to government policies and a steadily increasing demand for sustainable building materials.

He said large-scale factories have heavily invested in automated production units, often imported from China, with typical investments ranging from Tk 30-Tk 50 crore. Mid-sized factories have also invested in modernising their production lines, with typical investments ranging from Tk 5-Tk 6 crore.

Major industry players, including Concord, Mir Group, BTI, and Meghna, currently collectively control nearly 20 percent of the hollow block market.​

 

[Saif]

Thousands of trees 'felled' from Moheshkhali forest

Trees felled under the pretext of an auction citing Cyclone Hamoon damage

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Thousands of trees 'felled' from Moheshkhali forest
Trees felled under the pretext of an auction citing Cyclone Hamoon damage

Photo: Star

Thousands of trees have allegedly been felled from the hilly forests of Dineshpur in Maheshkhali, Cox's Bazar, under the pretext of an auction following Cyclone Hamoon, that struck the upazila in October 2023.

Local groups, reportedly in collaboration with members of the Coastal Afforestation Department, are accused of clearing the forest beyond the authorised scope of the auction.

Environmental activists claim this auction provided an opportunity for widespread deforestation.

The Coastal Forest Department had auctioned 920 cyclone-damaged trees around four months ago.

Rakib Hasan, an environmental activist and student representative from Shaplapur, said, "Dineshpur forest was once a natural forest rich in biodiversity. The forest department destroyed that biodiversity by planting acacia trees. Now, under the guise of auctioning cyclone-damaged trees, they have allowed the plundering of thousands of trees."

He alleged that forest department staff were complicit in the irregularities and demanded punishment for those involved.

Activists also reported that the group responsible for the tree felling constructed an unpaved road, approximately 2.5 to 3km long, by cutting through hills to transport the felled trees.

"They could have left the forest to recover naturally, but instead, they created a way to loot the forest," Rakib said.

Journalist and environmental activist Faruq Azam claimed that tree felling has been ongoing for over a month. "We saw many unmarked tree roots where tree leaves were dumped to conceal the scale of the felling," he said, adding that the construction of the road further deformed the hills.

Assistant Conservator of Forests Sheikh Abul Kalam Azad said the department had auctioned 920 marked acacia trees to prevent locals from stealing fallen trees for firewood.

"We have sent a team to investigate the allegations. If the beat officer and auction owners are found guilty, action will be taken," he said.

Shefayet Ullah, one of the four tender owners, denied any wrongdoing, saying that they only felled marked trees and levelled the water stream for transport rather than building a new road.​

 

[Saif]

How carbon markets can drive Bangladesh’s green transition

Bangladesh’s readiness will dictate how it will fare in the new carbon market regime.

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How carbon markets can drive Bangladesh’s green transition

International carbon markets may incentivise the quick deployment of energy-efficient and non-fired brick technologies. FILE PHOTO: RAJIB RAIHAN

With the flow of international climate finance still slow, carbon markets, supported by results-based finance, will likely pave the way for developing and least developed countries to incentivise emission reductions. The approval of Article 6 at the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), held in Baku, Azerbaijan, has finally laid the foundation for a global carbon market.

Article 6 defines two market-based approaches under Article 6.2 and Article 6.4. The former allows direct country-to-country carbon trading, known as the Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs). ITMOs may contribute to a country's mitigation target under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), while the other country will receive revenue against the sold ITMOs.

Article 6.4, also known as the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM), is a centralised and stringent carbon market framework, which a supervisory body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will regulate. A host country may implement clean energy and environment-friendly projects, register these with the UNFCCC, and sell the verified emission reductions to another country seeking carbon credits to meet its mitigation target. Article 6.4 will allow both countries and companies to participate in trading.

This article will further assess the eligibility of the transition of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), which has been the UNFCCC-administered carbon trading instrument between developing and developed countries since 2006.

As CDM is the largest project-based carbon crediting programme, different countries will now build on their experience with it to utilise it in carbon markets under Article 6. While some countries largely benefited from CDM projects, Bangladesh has enjoyed limited success. The country needs to prepare, drawing lessons from the CDM era, and undertake measures for readiness to develop suitable mitigation projects for swiftly tapping the opportunities of carbon markets.

Moreover, Bangladesh's apparel sector may buy carbon credits under Article 6.4 to meet its goal for emission reductions beyond what it can achieve by implementing measures locally.

Bangladesh's lacklustre performance in the CDM

As of December 2023, 99 host countries (least developed, developing, and small island countries) registered 7,841 CDM project activities. The UNFCCC issued 2,357 million Certified Emission Reductions (CERs).

Notably, 10 of the 99 host countries registered more than 87 percent of CDM projects, while China and India combined registered 69.5 percent. However, China benefited the most as its projects generated more than 50 percent of the CERs issued by the UNFCCC. Projects in India, Brazil and the Republic of Korea, which delivered around 30 percent of the CERs, were behind China.

Sources: UNFCCC CDM Project Activities; IEEFA’s Analysis

On the contrary, Bangladesh could register 10 CDM projects, resulting in a paltry 1.26 million tonnes of CERs, representing only 0.53 percent of the total issuance till December 2023. While Bangladesh has also registered 11 CDM Programme of Activities (POAs), to date, only around half of them have generated CERs.

Such a lacklustre performance in registering the CDM projects can, at best, be described as a lack of capacity in, among other things, establishing the baseline emissions and writing the project design document (PDD), following the suitable methodologies approved by the UNFCCC. By the time a few people developed the capacity to establish baseline emissions, write PDDs and complete the project cycle until the issuance of CERs, the CDM market collapsed. Prices crashed to $0.65/CER in 2012 against a lucrative price of more than $30/CER in 2008, owing to unsold CERs due to oversupply and lack of demand. Prices stayed low for carbon credits and were less than avoided even for most of the period between 2021 and 2024. Buyers attribute this to a lack of high-quality carbon credit projects. Therefore, many potential local project developers lost their intrinsic motivation to pursue CDM projects.

Lessons from CDM projects

Bangladesh's readiness will dictate how it will fare in the new carbon market regime. The country should decide on, among other things, the potential role of Article 6. Building on its limited experience with CDM, the country should design targeted programmes to develop the capacity of professionals and organisations to implement high-quality greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation projects swiftly.

Furthermore, it should develop policy and regulatory processes to expedite the implementation of projects under Articles 6.2 and 6.4.

The Department of Environment (DoE), which is Bangladesh's designated national authority (DNA) to the UNFCCC, may help in designing and facilitating the country's readiness programme for carbon markets to develop the technical capacity of stakeholders in designing, implementing and monitoring projects. The DoE would also need to establish a national registry and accounting mechanism for the ITMOs to avoid double counting. Bangladesh should highlight its strong commitment to utilise carbon markets to stakeholders, including the private sector.

How Article 6 can benefit Bangladesh

Bangladesh faces challenges in expanding renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, and mitigating pollution from sectors like brick and household cooking. Article 6-driven carbon markets present a significant opportunity for the country by creating an additional revenue stream for projects and increasing their commercial viability.

Potential projects for carbon markets

The brick kiln sector, one of the country's largest sources of GHG emissions, will emit 23.98 million tonnes of CO2 in 2030 under the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario. Transitioning to energy-efficient and non-fired brick technologies will drastically cut the sector's CO2 emissions and improve air quality in adjacent areas, but upscaling these expensive technologies will require incentives. International carbon markets may incentivise the quick deployment of these technologies.

The National Action Plan for Clean Cooking shows the country had 29 million biomass-based inefficient cookstoves during 2019-20. Improved cookstove projects can generate considerable carbon revenues.

Bangladesh may further capitalise on carbon markets to promote renewable energy technologies, including battery storage, both in utility-scale and rooftop segments, which under the BAU scenario shows a sluggish trend. Innovative solutions, such as replacing gas boilers with electric ones or heat pumps, can also deliver additional carbon revenue.

Among other things, municipal waste to energy and leakage reduction in the gas distribution systems will likely qualify for carbon revenue.

The apparel industry, which has committed to reducing 30 percent of its GHG emissions by 2030, may consider a combination of approaches—implementing projects locally for part of the mitigation and purchasing the remainder from high-quality projects implemented elsewhere under Article 6.4.

While carbon markets under Article 6 echo the promises that CDM initially showed, Bangladesh needs a clear-sighted approach to benefit from it. This approach should include designing and implementing a readiness programme for carbon markets to develop the capacity of key stakeholders and bridge the knowledge gap. The major stakeholders will then determine which projects to prioritise. However, unclear or poorly defined priorities may limit Bangladesh's success in the new carbon market regime.

Shafiqul Alam is lead energy analyst for Bangladesh at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA).​

 

[Saif]

Climate change and fire risks: Lessons from Southern California for Bangladesh

The 2025 wildfires in Southern California underscored the importance of having well-trained firefighting teams and readily available resources for rapid response.

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Climate change and fire risks: Lessons from Southern California for Bangladesh

The alarming rise in global temperatures has been directly linked to a surge in the frequency and intensity of wildfires. FILE PHOTO: REUTERS

Addressing the intricate relationship between fire incidents and climate change is increasingly crucial, particularly in vulnerable regions like Bangladesh, which faces escalating threats from climate-related events. The alarming rise in global temperatures has been directly linked to a surge in the frequency and intensity of wildfires, illustrating a clear connection between climate instability and fire risks. For instance, the devastating wildfires that swept through Southern California in 2025 serve as a stark reminder of how prolonged drought, extreme heat, and strong winds can combine to create catastrophic fire conditions. These events not only result in the significant destruction of homes and ecosystems but also highlight the urgent need for countries like Bangladesh to understand and prepare for similar outcomes.

As climate change continues to unravel, the impacts become more pronounced, particularly through altered weather patterns that exacerbate fire risks. Rising temperatures lead to prolonged dry spells, which, in turn, dry out vegetation and increase flammability, creating an environment conducive to fire outbreaks. The 2025 Southern California wildfires exemplified how erratic precipitation, coupled with extreme heat, can generate conditions ripe for wildfires, resulting in extensive property and wildlife losses. These patterns are not unique to California; they are increasingly relevant to Bangladesh, where altered rainfall and rising temperatures threaten local ecosystems and agricultural productivity, both of which are vital for food security and economic stability. Other factors, such as rapid urbanisation, deforestation, and unsustainable agricultural practices, could exacerbate this growing threat.

The catastrophic experiences from Southern California serve as a cautionary tale; communities that lacked preparedness faced devastating losses. Similarly, many rural communities in Bangladesh are ill-equipped to handle fire outbreaks, hindered by socio-economic vulnerabilities and limited resources. Effective fire management is further complicated by numerous challenges that Bangladesh faces, including limited resources and inadequate infrastructure. The absence of comprehensive fire management policies and trained personnel severely hampers timely responses to fire outbreaks. The 2025 wildfires in Southern California underscored the importance of having well-trained firefighting teams and readily available resources for rapid response. In contrast, Bangladesh suffers from a general lack of awareness regarding fire risks and prevention strategies, leaving communities vulnerable and emphasising an urgent need for education and capacity-building initiatives.

To enhance resilience against fire risks in the context of climate change, Bangladesh must adopt integrated disaster management strategies that encompass community engagement and education programmes aimed at raising awareness about fire prevention and response. The US has successfully implemented community-based programmes that encourage local residents to become active participants in fire prevention efforts; such initiatives could serve as valuable models for Bangladesh. Additionally, promoting sustainable land-use practices, such as agroforestry and controlled burning, can mitigate fire risks while simultaneously supporting local livelihoods. Governance plays a crucial role in addressing the intertwined challenges of climate change and fire management in Bangladesh.

The wildfires in Southern California demonstrated the necessity of having clear policies and emergency response plans that can be activated during fire outbreaks. Bangladesh must strengthen its policies related to climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction, ensuring these policies are comprehensive and responsive to local needs. Encouraging stakeholder participation at all levels of governance can lead to more effective fire management strategies. Moreover, international collaboration is pivotal in enhancing fire management strategies in Bangladesh. Engaging with global organisations and neighbouring countries can facilitate the exchange of knowledge, resources, and best practices in fire prevention and response. Several developed global countries often collaborate with their international partners for wildfire management, sharing technology and strategies that have proven effective; Bangladesh could greatly benefit from similar partnerships. These collaborations would strengthen Bangladesh's capacity to manage fire incidents effectively and contribute to a more resilient future in the face of climate change.

The urgency of addressing fire risks in the context of climate change in Bangladesh cannot be overstated. As the climate continues to evolve, proactive measures must be prioritised to build resilience within vulnerable communities. The lessons learned from the 2025 Southern California wildfire season, particularly the importance of preparedness, community engagement, and sustainable practices, are critical for Bangladesh. By fostering a culture of preparedness and adaptation, the country can safeguard its environment, protect livelihoods, and enhance the well-being of its people amidst an increasingly uncertain climate landscape.

To reiterate, the interconnected challenges posed by climate change and rising fire risks present a complex dilemma for Bangladesh. The need for comprehensive and integrative strategies that encompass education, policy reform, community engagement, and international cooperation is paramount. As global temperatures continue to rise, and as we witness the consequences of extreme weather patterns, Bangladesh must take proactive steps to mitigate the potential fire risks by fostering resilience at all levels of society. The experiences from regions like Southern California provide valuable lessons that can aid in shaping effective fire management strategies tailored to the unique circumstances faced by Bangladesh. Through concerted efforts in education, policy enhancement, and collaborative initiatives, the country can better prepare for the challenges posed by climate change while protecting its vulnerable communities and natural resources.

Md Ayatullah Khan is doctoral researcher in Department of Geography at Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.​

 

[Saif]

Govt initiates plan to manage dog population, protect biodiversity on St Martin’s

The government has initiated measures to manage the dog population on St Martin's Island to conserve its environment and biodiversity, said Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan

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Govt initiates plan to manage dog population, protect biodiversity on St Martin’s

Photo: Tanvir Hossain Khan

The government has initiated measures to manage the dog population on St Martin's Island to conserve its environment and biodiversity, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said today.

Speaking as the chief guest at a session titled "Dog Population Census and KAP Survey to Conserve the Number of Olive Ridley Turtles and Ensure Biodiversity on St Martin's Island," held at the Forest Building in Agargaon, the adviser said that a master plan will be developed in collaboration with relevant government and non-government organisations.

Key speakers at the event included Amir Hossain Chowdhury, chief conservator of forests, and Md Abu Sufian, director of the Department of Livestock. Rubaiya Ahmad, founder of the animal welfare organisation Obhoyaronno, presented the keynote paper titled "Dogs of Saint Martin's Island - Their Present and Future."

In her presentation, Rubaiya outlined a phased Dog Population Management (DPM) programme set to begin in February 2025.

The first phase focuses on creating a policy framework to regulate feeding, restrict the entry of new pets, and ensure the sterilisation of household dogs.

Public awareness campaigns, particularly targeting children, will promote humane behaviour towards dogs.

Subsequent phases include spaying and neutering 50 percent of the dog population by May 2025, implementing a registered feeding programme during the monsoon, and achieving 90 percent sterilisation by November 2025.

By 2026, all female dogs on the island are expected to be spayed, with full sterilisation of the dog population anticipated by 2030.

These initiatives aim to balance biodiversity conservation with humane management of the dog population, ensuring the protection of Olive Ridley turtles and the unique ecosystem of St Martin's Island.​

 

[Saif]

33m schoolchildren affected last year by climate crisis: Unicef

Children in Bangladesh were among the worst affected, with around 33 million facing multiple rounds of school closures

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33m schoolchildren affected last year by climate crisis: Unicef

Photo: Unicef

Extreme weather events, fueled by climate change, disrupted the education of at least 247 million schoolchildren across 77 countries in 2024.

Children in Bangladesh were among the worst affected, with around 33 million facing multiple rounds of school closures.

This was revealed in a first of its kind Unicef report, released yesterday, titled "Learning Interrupted: Global Snapshot of Climate-Related School Disruptions in 2024". According to the report, South Asia was the most affected region.

In Bangladesh, schools were closed countrywide for around two weeks between April and May in 2024 due to nationwide heatwaves that left children at risk of dehydration and heat strokes. Subsequent disruptions happened in several districts later due to cyclone Remal, followed by intense flooding in June, which affected around 18.4 million people in the country, including 7 million children.

Sylhet was the worst-hit district, with more than 6,00,000 learners left without access to education for up to eight weeks, according to Unicef.

Khulna, Chattogram and Rangpur districts also suffered around six weeks of climate-induced school closures in 2024.

"The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events is having a knock-on effect on children's education," said Rana Flowers, Unicef representative to Bangladesh.

"Extreme temperatures and other climate hazards don't only damage schools, they affect students' concentration, memory, and mental and physical health. Prolonged school closures increase the chance of children dropping out and being married off by families to cope with economic stress," he added.

Girl children are mostly impacted, with many of them married off instead of being supported to continue education. Bangladesh ranks among the top 10 countries in the world with the highest percentage of child marriage.

Children in Bangladesh are among the most exposed and vulnerable to climate and environmental hazards according to the Unicef Children's Climate Risk Index. These disasters often exacerbate the country's "learning poverty", where one in two children cannot read at their grade level and two-thirds are unable to do basic counting after completing primary education.

Moreover, some of the brightest children have to give up on their education due to the numerous climate induced disasters.

The report noted that schools and education systems in Bangladesh are largely ill-equipped to protect students from these impacts, while financial investments in education centring climate events remain alarmingly low.

Unicef called on international climate financing institutions and donors, the private sector and the interim government to engage in policy-making and planning in this regard, prioritising the needs of children.

Several recommendations were made including accelerating financing to improve climate resilience in the education sector, ensuring children are engaged in climate decision-making, ensuring proper national climate plans -- including Nationally Determined Contribution 3.0 and the National Adaptation Plan -- strengthening child-critical social services like education to be more climate-smart and disaster-resilient.

"Children in Bangladesh are at the forefront of two interconnected crises -- climate change and deepening learning poverty that threatens their survival and future. As children continue to speak up and call for urgent action on the devastating impacts of the climate crisis, decision-makers must heed their calls and place their needs at the centre of climate policies and financing plans," said Flowers.​