While Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries facing the adverse impact of climate change, she is also a sparkling example of low carbon producing states which has successfully implemented climate change resilient programmes. Bangladesh spends on average $ 1 billion every year to tackle climate change with a wide variety of programmes, ranging from awareness building over low carbon emissions to the safeguarding of nature. This country is at the front of climate change impact and the erratic weather pattern characterised by intense summer, unpredictable rainfall, non-existent winter or sometimes biting cold periods in winter are proof enough that we are bearing the brunt of huge Green House Gas, GHG emission throughout the world.
At a recent UN discussion on impact of climate change related disasters, speakers of developing nations, including Bangladesh, have categorically stated that top emitters must reduce the amount of GHG they release into the environment and transfer climate change mitigation technology to vulnerable nations. To be forthright, the climate change mitigation approach is often plagued by double standards. Many countries are vociferous in rhetoric but very lethargic in acting to reduce their own carbon emissions. In Asia, the biggest emitters are India and China; so far, there have not been any concrete steps from these two big users of fossil fuel, leaving a climate change crusade always short of impetus.
For Bangladesh, India’s commitment is especially important since this country is surrounded on three sides by the massive neighbour. At the recent UN meet, calls were made to respect the Paris Agreement on climate change though only appeal will not work because unless the big economic powers pay heed, emission of GHG will not fall. Bangladesh has established a Climate Change Trust Fund and to make people aware of sustainable usage of nature, five million solar home systems are in operation in the off grid areas. While several development agencies are working in Bangladesh to mitigate the adverse impact of climate change, it has to be kept in mind that in some remote char areas of the country, dredging of rivers can prove long term results instead of seasonal raising of embankments of homes. Similarly, a nationwide green drive is essential under which all environmental degradation, ranging from hill cutting to deforestation to ravaging of forests will be minimised.