Climate change
Climate change is affecting the daily life and economy in Bangladesh. Already, the seasons have experienced unusual changes in Bangladesh. Every year, the country faces unexpected rains, dry spells, temperatures and other symptoms of changes in global weather patterns Bangladesh is experiencing severe weather, in the form of floods, cyclones, heavy rains, droughts, river erosion and salinity intrusion due to climate change. Bangladesh's vulnerability to climate change lies mainly in its dense population and that a large part of its area consists of low-lying coastal areas and expansive floodplains. At present, Bangladesh has a population of 163 million people. While the country's population has been increasing, its forests are being depleted.
An increasing world population and harmful industrialization worldwide are the main causes of climate change. The severity of storms, droughts, rainfall, floods and other natural disasters has been increasing in Asian countries, and in Bangladesh in particular, due to climate change. Global warming threatens our agriculture, which is the backbone of Bangladesh. Every year, natural disasters have widespread effects on Bangladesh, touching every corner of the country. Due to limited resources, Bangladesh does not have the capacity to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to mitigate the damage. Bangladesh needs technological and economic support to survive the effects of a changing climate.
Just as important is the proper handling of any foreign funds Bangladesh may get, since we know that corruption is another large barrier to our prosperity.
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Finally, the World Climate Summit in Copenhagen portrays a ray of hope for the developing countries including Bangladesh. Something is better than nothing! Though the expectation of vulnerable countries was much more from the developed countries which are mainly responsible for the world climate change, but the reality is different. Five developed nations such as India, China, South Africa, Brazil and the US came to a “Meaningful Agreement” (according to them) which is accepted as the new contract in the discussion of 193 nations, though some countries like Venezuela, Sudan, Cuba, Bolivia, Nicaragua etc. rejected it.
Our government should take preventive measures like tree plantation programme, building embankment over coastal areas etc. on a priority basis to minimize the problem of climate change at a reasonable cost.
Mohammad Zia-ul-Haque, English Department
International Islamic University Ctg
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