The Bangladeshi coastal youth showed ways to escape from the effects of climate change
River erosion, fragile embankment, salt water, livelihood crisis Young volunteers present the scenario of climate change risk by arranging various materials on the table.
In the two tables next to it, as a strategy to protect against these, green forestry, renewable energy, freshwater, sustainable embankment, and other ways have been highlighted.
These exhibitions and the plight of the people were described throughout the day and organized by volunteers at the Climate Conference on Local Disaster Preparedness and Youth Thought at Bagerhat’s Rampal, Bangladesh recently.
At this time, Habibun Nahar, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC), Bangladesh, and government officials from various departments answered the questions and arguments raised by the youth.
Talking about the local people who are at risk due to climate change in the coastal district of Bagerhat, volunteer Ishita Dey said, “Due to excess salinity, our paddy production has decreased here.
Earlier, the land would become rice for the year. But now nobody can cultivate paddy well because the water salinity is higher than before. Due to salt water, it is not possible to cultivate any rabi crops.”
A person named Samia Islam said, “We have to suffer from severe water shortage in the summer. The water in the pond has dried up due to extreme heat.
Saltwater in nearby canals. Forced to use salt water for bathing, cooking and eating. Again, in the rainy season, heavy rain during the rains. All in all we are in danger.”
Activist Rampal, Bandhan Human Development Organization and Action Aid Bangladesh in collaboration with the climate conference was also attended by Habibun Nahar, Deputy Minister of MOEFCC, Bangladesh, Rampal Upazila Parishad Chairman Sheikh Moazzem Hossain, Rampal Thana Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) SM Ashraful Alam,
Bandhan Human Development Organization Executive Director ASM Manjurul Hasan, Upazila Youth Development Officer Nasir Uddin, Public Health Engineering Department Assistant Engineer Imran Hossain, President of Rampal Upazila Press Club Hawladar A.
Hadi, female vice-chairman Hosneyara Milli, Mushfiqul Islam Ritu, project coordinator of Bandhan Effort project, journalists, representatives of civil society, more than 150 youth representatives of Rampal Upazila.
Deputy Minister Habibun Nahar said, “There is no error in efforts to combat the effects of climate, and people are causing their own harm.
Excavated and abandoned canals are being taken over again by the powerful. If you are not aware yourself, it is not possible to reduce the risk only with the law.
Apart from this, various activities are ongoing to create public awareness about possible environmental disasters and improve the quality of life.
Installation of deep tube wells, digging of ponds, and water harvesting are being done to solve the shortage of fresh water. Apart from implementing many initiatives to ensure a sustainable environment, the government also has various plans for the future.
