Environment and Climate
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.
To survive, we must combat environmental desertification
For the past two decades, unusual weather patterns have been observed worldwide. Where once there used to be cries for a drop of water in the scorching deserts, now the deserts are witnessing rainfall, painting the landscape green. Conversely, the opposite scenario is visible in the Indian subcontinent and Europe. Most areas in South Asia, including Bangladesh, now experience severe heatwaves during the summer. While Europe, which used to be predominantly cold, is facing intense heatwaves for the most part of the year. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has recently warned in a published report that if global temperatures are not reduced soon, South Asia, including Bangladesh, could suffer catastrophic consequences. The entire region could be engulfed by desertification.
What will be the major catastrophe for future Bangladesh
To believe the news that water has entered inside our house in the city of Jhalokathi, I have to remain silent for quite some time. Then, I start calling countless people one by one, including my father, mother, uncles, aunts, and cousins. Everyone's phone is either switched off or showing 'unable to connect'. Suddenly, a call goes through to my younger uncle's phone. He is also surprised at how I managed to reach him on his phone!
Shahid Anwara Park: Give back that woodland
A group of environmentally conscious individuals stood with numerous placards bearing various slogans and demands under the busy Farmgate Metro Station in the capital. Announcement was made at this event last Saturday (May 18th) evening that if the Dhaka North City Corporation, the Department of Public Works, and the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) authorities do not remove the metro rail installations from here within 30 days and if no initiative is taken to restore Anwara Udyan to its previous state, then a call for a rigorous protest will be made.
Dangers of lightning in Bangladesh and protective measures
After a severe heatwave, the rain brought not relief but the terror of lightning strikes. Whenever there is rain and a storm, reports of multiple fatalities due to lightning strikes surface. On April 23, in a single day, nine people lost their lives to lightning in six upazilas of eastern Bangladesh. Subsequently, on April 27, eight people died from lightning strikes in six districts in one day. On May 18, in a single day, lightning claimed the lives of seven people in three districts. From morning to noon on that day, four people died in Narsingdi, two in Tangail, and one in Gazipur due to lightning during rain. Previously, on the same date, May 18, in 2022, 19 people died in a single day from lightning strikes across the country. We face such devastating lightning incidents every year, but why has the frequency of lightning strikes increased? And how can we protect ourselves from it?
Won't rickshaw pullers be evaluated for their role in reducing carbon emissions
When a car's wheel turns, it emits approximately 162.1 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer. But when the wheel of the rickshaw turns, there is no carbon emission. In our city, Dhaka, there are approximately twelve lakh rickshaws plying the narrow alleys. It's challenging to determine how many kilometers each of these vehicles travels daily. However, it's relatively easy to estimate the amount of carbon dioxide emitted from burning petrol in Dhaka if rickshaws were not present. But are rickshaw pullers given any incentives to reduce carbon emissions? They are not. But why?
How does humidity increase heat?
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Heatwave affects Bangladesh's nature, livelihood
Due to climate change, the Earth has now entered a phase of intense heat. Last year was the hottest ones in the recorded history. This year expected to be less hot. However, there are no signs of that happening. Instead, records are being broken, and 2024 is shaping up to be yet another record-breaking year in terms of heat.
Anticipation of rain: From frog marriages to cloud seeding
For several days, the main topic of discussion in the country is 'scorching hot'. This discusswould not be stopped unless there is rain. The Meteorological Department renewed heat alert several times in the country. Usually during this period in Boishakh, there is cry for rain across the country as it is burning in unbearable heat. Perhaps this is why prayers for rain have become part of our folk culture. Prayers for rain have been practiced for many years as per religious practices as well. However, mankind took control over the extreme behavior of the nature long ago. Countries such as China, United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia frequently apply cloud seeding method to initiate rain artificially.
How La Niña and El Niño change earth's temperature
Various climate-related disasters such as floods, droughts, and cyclones are quite natural phenomena. However, it seems that these disasters are becoming more severe over time. There is now excessive rainfall during the rainy season, leading to sudden floods. Recently, we have witnessed sudden floods in Dubai due to excessive rainfall, and in June 2022, the Sylhet region experienced severe flooding.
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