Saturday | 5 October 2024 | Reg No- 06
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Saturday | 5 October 2024 | Epaper
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Generation restoration uniting for earths future

Published : Wednesday, 5 June, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 688
Shamim Ara Shammi
The theme of World Environment Day 2024 is focused on the importance of land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. The theme for this years event is "Our Land, Our Future. We are Generation Restoration." The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be hosting the event with a special emphasis on addressing these critical environmental issues. The key messages of World Environment Day revolve around the urgent need to combat climate change and restore damaged land, with a specific focus on resilience in the face of desertification and drought. It is a global movement aimed at creating a sustainable future for all.

In 1973, UNEP designated June 5 as "World Environment Day" to promote the well-being of the planet and all its inhabitants. In the past 50 years, thisUnited Nationscelebration has grown considerably. This year, governments, businesses, and civil society are coming together for World Environmental Day to find solutions to land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. Which are made from a combination of factors, both human and natural:

Human activities: Overgrazing by livestock, unsustainable farming practices (like deforestation and poor soil management), and excessive water extraction can all contribute to desertification. Climate change: Rising temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and more frequent droughts can exacerbate desertification. Drought: This is a natural phenomenon where a region experiences below-average rainfall for an extended period. While droughts can occur naturally, climate change is increasing their frequency and severity.

So, land restoration is the answer to these problems. It aims to improve soil health, increase vegetation cover, and improve water retention in the land, making it more resilient to drought and less susceptible to desertification.

According to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, up to 40% of the Earths land is already degraded, impacting half the worlds population. Droughts are becoming more frequent and severe, threatening future food security and water resources. The good news is that we can turn the tide.  Land restoration is a powerful tool for healing our planet. It can help reverse desertification, improve soil health, and increase biodiversity. Restoration efforts can also mitigate climate change by storing carbon and create jobs through sustainable land management practices. World Environment Day 2024 is a call to action for all - individuals, governments, businesses, and civil society. We are all #GenerationRestoration.


Together, by joining forces as #GenerationRestoration, we can heal our planet, secure a sustainable future, and ensure a healthy and productive land for generations to come. Every actor has the responsibility and opportunity to help people, transition towards the next generation, and build asustainable future. If we look back at our current situation, unfortunately, Bangladesh is more affected by climate change than most other countries, while producing very little in terms of carbon emissions. A recent report in the Daily Star revealed a concerning rise in Dhakas temperatures. Over the past two decades, the Bangladeshi capital has seen a jump of approximately 2.75 degrees Celsius, exceeding the global average temperature increase. This alarming trend surpasses the goals set by the Paris Agreement, an international pact to limit global warming. Experts warn that Bangladesh can expect even higher temperatures in the coming years. However, it made us standand think. World Environment Day 2024 is a great occasion to help our planet, but why limit it to just one day?

World Environment Day shouldn be limited to a specific date, but observed every day, with women playing a central role.  Women are often stewards of the environment, holding vital knowledge and leading conservation efforts in their communities. By ensuring their full participation and social inclusion, we can create stronger environmental solutions.

We can take action to care for the environment; the benefits of small gestures, like recycling, efficient household consumption, or the collaborative economy, are big for everyone. But until then, we will continue the fight to #Generation Restoration. Soaring temperatures across Bangladesh, from bustling cities to rural fields, demand urgent action. We must unite - everyone, regardless of divergence - to understand the causes and find sustainable solutions. Respecting our environment is no longer a choice; its a necessity.

The writer is a Programme Manager, Gender Justice & Diversity Programme at BRAC



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