Climate change is no longer a future threat; it is a present reality. In recent years, devastating wildfires, prolonged heat waves, abnormal rainfall, flash floods, droughts, and powerful cyclones in different regions of the world have clearly highlighted the real impact of climate change. Scientists are warning that if global warming increases by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial times, the damage to many ecosystems on the planet could become irreversible. This will have a devastating impact on food production, water resources, public health, and economic stability.
For Bangladesh, this crisis is even deeper and multifaceted. Although the country's contribution to global carbon emissions is very small, the impact of climate change is being felt most strongly here. Geographical location, riverine delta region, long coastline and high population density have increased Bangladesh's vulnerability manifold. Disasters such as sea level rise, salinity in coastal areas, river erosion, floods, waterlogging and cyclones are continuously challenging the country's economy and people's livelihoods.
The impact of climate change is particularly worrying in coastal areas. Crop production is declining as saltwater enters agricultural lands. Sources of clean water are shrinking. Coastal women are often forced to travel several kilometers to fetch safe water. At the same time, the intensity of cyclones and tidal waves due to climate change is increasing, repeatedly damaging people's lives, assets and infrastructure. As a result, a large number of people are losing their livelihoods and moving to cities, which has emerged as a major cause of climate-induced internal displacement.
Of particular concern is the rapid shrinkage of the country's wetlands. The construction of housing projects and industrial establishments by filling canals, beels, ponds, and other reservoirs is obstructing the natural flow of water. As a result, waterlogging, flash floods, and ecological imbalances are increasing. At the same time, the habitats of fish, birds, amphibians, and aquatic plants are being destroyed. Wetlands are not just water reservoirs; they are important elements in combating natural disasters, storing carbon, and protecting biodiversity. Therefore, wetland conservation must be considered a national priority.
Another major source of environmental pollution is plastic. The widespread use of single-use plastics is polluting rivers, canals, seas and urban environments. Plastic does not decompose easily; rather, it degrades the quality of soil and water after being in the environment for a long time.
The long-term success of environmental protection depends on public awareness and environmental education. Families, educational institutions, and society must work together to instill a love for nature and a sense of responsibility among children and adolescents.
It is necessary to more effectively include the environment, climate change, and sustainable development in the curricula of schools, colleges, and universities. It is possible to build a responsible civil society by involving young people in environmentally friendly living, research, and social initiatives.
Protecting nature is protecting our future. If nature survives, humans will survive, if biodiversity survives, the balance of the environment will remain intact, and only if the balance of the environment is maintained will a safe, green and sustainable world be ensured for future generations.
The writer is a Principal Scientific Officer, Breeding Division, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI)
