Environment and Climate
Climate change, women and renewable energy transition in Bangladesh
Recently I joined an event in Dhaka on advancing a just and gender-responsive renewable energy transition in Bangladesh. Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) organized it. I was enriched learning many issues from the experts and discussants.
Climate change and Climate justice: Why Bangladesh deserves global support
The climate crisis exposes deep inequalities in our world. Some of the countries and communities that have contributed the least to global greenhouse gas emissions are facing the most severe consequences of climate change. Bangladesh is one such example.
Struggle of life in Jyeshtha heat
In the month of Jyeshtha, nature adopts a severe demeanor. The sun unleashes its fiery rays upon the sky, causing the air to become oppressive and scorching. As Rabindranath Tagore eloquently stated, "Jyeshther khorroddroi Jyeshther oshrushunno rodon"—during this period, nature appears to emit a silent yet fervent heat. Consequently, the phrase "struggle of life in the heat of Jyeshtha" transcends mere seasonal description; it vividly illustrates the daily survival challenges faced by the common populace of Bangladesh.
Climate migrants in Dhaka: The human face of Bangladesh’s climate crisis
Every morning in Dhaka, millions of people pass by street vendors on crowded footpaths, rickshaw pullers weaving through impossible traffic, and construction workers laboring under the heat to build the city’s ever-expanding skyline. To many urban residents, they are simply part of Dhaka’s informal economy- visible yet invisible at the same time.
Deadly 'PFAS' becomes a new pollution threat
A new deadly form of pollution has emerged in the country named ‘PFAS’. This dangerous pollution is created by compounds formed from fluorine and carbon emitted by various factories. Several surveys have reported that PFAS has spread alarmingly in areas like Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj, and Narsingdi. Gradually, it may spread to even wider areas. Researchers warn that if this deadly pollution is not stopped quickly, people will face serious health risks including cancer, skin diseases, liver cirrhosis, heart disease, and thyroid problems.
Marine pollution: An alarming threat for South Asian littoral states
Marine pollution on land and in oceans is currently a pressing environmental issue around the globe. The accumulation of waste causes severe, irreversible impacts and consequences on marine life, ecosystems, and the environment due to the lack of good waste collection, treatment, and management systems.
How Cyclone Dana was named from Arabic
The poem by the poet Jibanananda Das seems unrelated yet profoundly relevant here. The poet grew up in a region where cyclones have repeatedly shattered people's dreams and claimed lives. Yet, no matter how many times calamity strikes, humanity rises again with its inherent strength.
Bodies set adrift due to lack of dry burial grounds
In 2024, the people of Feni witnessed the worst flood in living memory. The sudden onslaught of this flood was unimaginable for the residents of Feni. The destructive nature of the flood extended beyond Feni, affecting the surrounding districts as well. Torrential rains and water surging down from the mountains caused the floodwaters to rise, submerging the roofs of houses in the Parshuram, Phulgazi, and Chhagalnaiya upazilas of Feni. With electricity and all forms of communication cut off, these areas were isolated from the rest of the country. In remote regions where rescue teams could not reach due to the fierce currents, people clung to tree branches, tin roofs, house tops, and rafts made of banana trees in desperate attempts to survive. The elderly, children, women, the sick, and pregnant women faced unimaginable suffering.
Will devote all my strength to protect the environment
In Bangladesh, and indeed anywhere in the world, the journey of change is never easy. I am well aware that we will have to fight against many adversities, just as we have done before. In a country like ours, where the indicators of the rule of law are quite low, the task is certainly risky. However, we are confident that we can overcome these risks because we have the support of the mainstream population. Alongside the backing of a large number of people and the mainstream media, the international community is also watching over us. We want to confront these challenges with the strength we derive from the people. My goal is to set an example by taking effective measures to control various forms of pollution.
Bangladesh's Economy to pay high prices due to climate change
In recent times, the most widely discussed and important topic globally is climate change. It can be said that this is the biggest challenge of the 21st century. As climate change increasingly has adverse effects on biodiversity, it has become a matter of concern for us. Extensive research is also being conducted on this issue. Climate naturally undergoes some changes due to natural causes. However, the extent to which temperatures are now rising is primarily due to human activities. Since humans started burning oil, gas, and coal to operate factories and vehicles or to heat homes in winter, the Earth's temperature has increased by 1.2 degrees Celsius compared to that time. The amount of carbon dioxide, one of the primary greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, has increased by 50 percent compared to the 19th century. In the last two decades, it has increased by 12 percent. Deforestation also contributes to the rise in greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere, as trees absorb carbon. As a result, when trees are cut down or burned, the stored carbon is released into the atmosphere. To live healthily in any region, a healthy and clean environment is essential. The impact of the environment on our overall lives is immense.