Thoughts on the World Environment Day
The World Environment Day is being observed in Bangladesh today. But the concerns about the environment are understandably greater in Bangladesh for the obvious reasons of this countrys specially threatened conditions in view of earth warming, the consequent sea level rise and changing weather patterns. Thus, in the context of Bangladesh the day carries special significance. Though Bangladesh is not very largely responsible for the grim environmental threat looming over it caused mainly by the unchecked tampering with the global environment from unregulated business activities by the major countries, ironically Bangladesh would be required to pay the worst price for the same.
According to the environmentalists, sea level rise from earth warming may contribute to submergence of Maldives under the sea in near future. Bangladesh is also greatly vulnerable to sea level rise. It is apprehended that by the year 2050 one third of Bangladesh may go under the sea. If it occurs, one third of its total population will be displaced and become homeless. That will be a great demographic tragedy. The government will have to be prepared with whatever resources it has to face the disaster of such a gigantic proportion.
All of these things are not said to mean that Bangladesh on its own does not have things to do also to protect its environment. Industrial boom contributes to environmental pollution. Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world that Bangladesh can take pride in has been threatened due to man-made factors. Incidents like oil spill in the Shella river that flows within the forest due to sinking of a ship carrying fuel oil, sinking of a fertilizer carrying vessel recently, etc., are growingly posing a threat to the forests existence.
The coal-based power plant at Rampal near the Sunderbans that is going to be implemented will likely further endanger the existence of the forest. The National Committee for Protection of Oil, Gas, Mineral Resource, Power and Ports (Oil-Gas Committee) said, referring to a 2014 monitoring report by the Centre for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS), the government has even failed to control the contamination during the preparatory works for the power plant. Then what will happen when the power plant goes into operation ?
We will have to go for green industrialization to remain free from environmental pollution. Much greater harnessing and use of solar and hydroelectric power can greatly help us to achieve this goal. For implementing various projects like construction of sea walls, reconstruction of the collapsed coastal embankments, developing of flood water and salinity resistant seeds and rehabilitation of climate refugees, etc., huge funds are required. Our government and policymakers must get their acts together at the fastest to mobilize the massive foreign assistance that would be required as well as well deserved to be able to cope successfully with the looming great threats to our environment.
