Facing the challenges of climate change

It is heartening to note that Bangladesh has made some meaningful efforts to minimise the adverse impact of climate change

Climate change is making its impact felt in Barisal region, with rainfall and temperatures rising abnormally in summer and cold conditions declining in winter. According to a report in this newspaper yesterday, the changing weather pattern has badly affected agricultural production in Barisal region with the drought conditions deteriorating. The situation has also hit the cultivation of vegetables. The erratic behaviour of climate is being felt throughout the world, including Bangladesh.
Rise in global warming, rise in ozone layer, greenhouse effect, emission of excessive carbon gas, depletion of forests and rise in sea levels are the realities that are likely to play havoc in the world. It is worrying to note that the traditional six seasons of our country are disappearing gradually due to climate change. The summer and rainy seasons have become prolonged whereas winter season is shrinking.  
As a matter of fact, Bangladesh is one of most vulnerable countries in the world regarding the hostile impact of climate change although it has very little contribution to global warming. Being a lower riparian country, Bangladesh is also vulnerable to sea level rise. Intrusion of saline water is another hazard that looms large. Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world and a pride possession of Bangladesh that works as a shield against natural calamities, has been threatened due to natural and man-made factors. Cyclonic storms like Sidr and Aila caused large-scale destructions a few years back triggering immense sufferings to the people living in coastal areas.
Keeping all these realities in mind the government will have to be prepared with whatever resources it has to face the adverse impact of climate change. Attempts should be made so that industrial pollution does not cross the limit. Construction of sea walls, reconstruction of the collapsed coastal embankments and sowing of water-resistant seeds are the needs of the hour. Use of solar energy and hydroelectric power can greatly help achieve this goal. Substantial funds are needed for implementing various projects relating to climate change. The developed countries may support the activities taken by the vulnerable countries to address the negative impact of climate change.   
It is heartening to note that Bangladesh has made some meaningful efforts to minimize the adverse impact of climate change. But there is no room for expressing complacency. Much more should be done. Apart from government initiatives, all stakeholders, NGOs, environmentalists and conscious people should put in their utmost efforts to minimize the adverse impact of climate change.

Facing the challenges of climate change

It is heartening to note that Bangladesh has made some meaningful efforts to minimise the adverse impact of climate change

Climate change is making its impact felt in Barisal region, with rainfall and temperatures rising abnormally in summer and cold conditions declining in winter. According to a report in this newspaper yesterday, the changing weather pattern has badly affected agricultural production in Barisal region with the drought conditions deteriorating. The situation has also hit the cultivation of vegetables. The erratic behaviour of climate is being felt throughout the world, including Bangladesh. Rise in global warming, rise in ozone layer, greenhouse effect, emission of excessive carbon gas, depletion of forests and rise in sea levels are the realities that are likely to play havoc in the world. It is worrying to note that the traditional six seasons of our country are disappearing gradually due to climate change. The summer and rainy seasons have become prolonged whereas winter season is shrinking. As a matter of fact, Bangladesh is one of most vulnerable countries in the world regarding the hostile impact of climate change although it has very little contribution to global warming. Being a lower riparian country, Bangladesh is also vulnerable to sea level rise. Intrusion of saline water is another hazard that looms large. Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world and a pride possession of Bangladesh that works as a shield against natural calamities, has been threatened due to natural and man-made factors. Cyclonic storms like Sidr and Aila caused large-scale destructions a few years back triggering immense sufferings to the people living in coastal areas. Keeping all these realities in mind the government will have to be prepared with whatever resources it has to face the adverse impact of climate change. Attempts should be made so that industrial pollution does not cross the limit. Construction of sea walls, reconstruction of the collapsed coastal embankments and sowing of water-resistant seeds are the needs of the hour. Use of solar energy and hydroelectric power can greatly help achieve this goal. Substantial funds are needed for implementing various projects relating to climate change. The developed countries may support the activities taken by the vulnerable countries to address the negative impact of climate change. It is heartening to note that Bangladesh has made some meaningful efforts to minimize the adverse impact of climate change. But there is no room for expressing complacency. Much more should be done. Apart from government initiatives, all stakeholders, NGOs, environmentalists and conscious people should put in their utmost efforts to minimize the adverse impact of climate change.