Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, on Sunday said that the recent floods in Noakhali have not receded as the water lacks a place to drain.
She explained that most canals and water bodies have been filled in, which has prevented the floodwaters from receding even after the rain has stopped.
Rizwana further noted that no one anticipated flooding in this area, leading to the filling in of many canals and water bodies. Consequently, the tidal water coming from the sea has no space to return.
Speaking as the chief guest at the “COP Network Convention 2024” organized by the Manusher Jonno Foundation at the Brac Centre in Mohakhali on Sunday, she emphasized that the recent extreme heat and flooding conditions are unprecedented. This is fundamentally linked to climate change, which is driven by human activity.
She said that certain practices we consider development are continuously damaging the planet. Extracting oil and coal from beneath the earth has led to an increase in carbon gas emissions. While trees provide oxygen and absorb carbon, deforestation continues, resulting in a rise in carbon gas levels.
As a result, global temperatures keep rising, a phenomenon that we ourselves have worsened, she added.
The adviser said: “We have adopted a developmental ideology that, if not abandoned, will make it impossible for us to escape the impacts of climate change.”
She also highlighted the seed crisis, noting that seeds were not available following the floods.
Rizwana said: “If households had preserved seeds, the government would not have faced a seed shortage. Instead, people have relied solely on companies for seed supply without any personal storage.”
She criticized developed nations for not providing adequate support to affected countries. She pointed out that developed countries are primarily responsible for higher oil and gas consumption, leading to increased carbon emissions.
She said: “The financial assistance promised to countries affected by climate change is far from what is needed. While they attend conferences and make grand statements, the funding does not match the commitments. Sweden and a few other countries, however, stand out as exceptions in this regard.”
She assured that the government will continue to make maximum efforts to address climate change-related issues in the country.
The event was chaired by Shaheen Anam, executive director of the Manusher Jonno Foundation. Other speakers included Maria Stridsman, head of development cooperation at the Swedish Embassy, and Gitanjali Singh, representative of UN Women in Bangladesh.
Additionally, five women from various regions of the country were honored for their contributions to climate adaptation in their local areas.
