It is alarming to learn that around 17.1% of farmers in climate-vulnerable areas like the char, haor, and hill regions have changed their agricultural practices due to the impacts of climate change. The study, published by the Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), once again tells us just how damaging climate change can be for our nation, quite literally forcing our farmers to change how we put food on the table.
While the resilience and tenacity of our farmers must be applauded, together with having the foresight to adapt practices to the changing climate conditions, the fact remains that we should never have had to make these changes in our traditional practices.
It bears repeating that when it comes to climate change, despite Bangladesh being one of the most vulnerable nations to its effects, we have had next to no role in causing it. That lies solely with the Global North, the developed nations of the world who now enjoy their comfortable lives, while daring to police and moralize the Global South.
The most recent United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) held in Dubai once again led to developed nations offering lofty promises but failing to deliver on their responsibility to assist nations like ours -- nations which are suffering more exponentially with each passing year.
We hope that the Global South continues to speak of accountability and remain together and united, to remind the Global North that climate change is their fault, while we pay the heaviest price. The fact that our farmers are having to adapt because of their mishaps is just the latest tragedy, and it should never have come to this in the first place.
