Developed countries urged to address adverse effects of climate change
As a result of global warming, Bangladesh is facing floods, cyclones, rising sea levels, tidal surges, heavy rains, droughts, and river erosion
The developed countries of the world have been urged to come forward to address the adverse effects of climate change.
Speakers made the call at a webinar hosted by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) and conducted by its Executive Director Zillur Rahman on Thursday afternoon.
At the webinar, speakers said one of the main reasons behind global climate change is the high level of carbon emissions for which the industrialised countries are responsible.
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Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA) Chairman Dr Atiq Rahman presented the keynote at the webinar titled "Searching Ways Forward for Bangladesh in the Time of Pandemic: Climate change and Disaster Management challenges in Bangladesh".
Dr Atiq Rahman said floods in the country have been on the rise for the past few years due to the adverse effects of climate change. Bangladesh is suffering. There were four floods in the last eight months. Last year's flood was the longest since 1998. As a result of global warming, Bangladesh is facing floods, cyclones, rising sea levels, tidal surges, heavy rains, droughts, and river erosion.
He said the incentive given by the government to overcome the corona crisis has been received by a large group. The government's allocation has been good but we have to make the distribution system better. Action needs to be taken to reach the incentive money to farmers. Establishing good governance is our main problem. The main thing is that each has to fulfill his own responsibilities.
CGS Chairman Dr Manjur A Chowdhury said Bangladesh is the 7th most vulnerable country due to various natural disasters triggered by the climate change. To address this risk, the government has to resort to climate diplomacy. The foreign minister has to take steps in this regard.
Institute of Architects Bangladesh President Mubasshar Hussain said the developed countries are responsible for climate change. But we are its sufferers. So, now is the time to take effective action as soon as possible to address this crisis.
Citing that the rate of coronavirus infection is lower in rural areas, Architect Mubasshar Hussain said, "I went to seven to eight villages where they do not wear masks. They are playing, discussing, and hanging out. And if someone comes from the city, they are saying that you have come from the city please maintain distance. The rural people have been less infected. There should be a study on why there has been less."
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, chief executive of Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association, said, "If we implement any development project, we have to keep in mind that we should not bring forth a natural disaster. It is very important to keep this in mind."
