DHAKA, Jan 24, 2024 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury today said climate change is posing threat to the existence of human civilization, putting an adverse impact on water - a vital element for humankind and all ecosystems.

"Our challenge is to resolve this problem...we will not be able to resolve this crisis without taking effective solutions," he told the inaugural session of the 9th International Water Conference here.

ActionAid Bangladesh arranged the two-day international water meet at a city hotel with the theme 'Water, River and Climate Change: Creating Space for Resilience'.

Speaking as the chief guest, Saber Hossain said: "Water is the central to sustainability. We must use it wisely to ensure availability for future generations. It is a global responsibility, transcending national boundaries."

"In Bangladesh, our first 100 days' plan includes an extensive programme to address climate change. It has become crucial to form a multi-stakeholder platform involving the government, scientists, NGOs, and the private sector to find holistic solutions. Many promising initiatives and startups have emerged, but they often fade due to a lack of ownership by major stakeholders," he said.

Mentioning that his ministry is committed to piloting projects that address climate change, the minister said: "We aim to be recognised not just as victims but as leaders in finding solutions. The outcomes of this international conference will guide our policies."

He said ActionAid Bangladesh has been one of the entities we have worked closely with for climate justice.

Nardia Simpson, Acting High Commissioner of Australia to Bangladesh, said the role of diplomats and policymakers goes beyond ensuring climate justice, while climate change is a global challenge.

 "We are aware of rising temperatures and disasters. Bangladesh too is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, but also a role model of climate change adaptation. We are working with the government in the agricultural sector and with different NGOs to improve the water governance in Bangladesh. We urge emerging leaders to come forward to battle with climate crisis," the envoy said.
 
Renowned economist Prof Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad in his remarks said: "We can't waste or pollute water as our population is rising and water level is declining at the same time. When it comes to Bangladesh, as we are at the bottom of 3 major rivers systems and we have no control over water, particularly during dry season."

"On top of it, 92% of water flowing through Bangladesh comes from outside. So that's how vulnerable we are. Our coastal belts are very low as well. All these create huge challenges for the country to tackle climate crisis," he said.
Prof Kholiquzzaman said Bangladesh has 26 policies and laws with respect to climate change or water management enacted by various ministries, but no ministry or agency knows what the contents of the policies are.

The actions are not coordinated there, while people who are being affected needs to say their stories, otherwise the real ground problems can never be solved, he said.
Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, Professor of the Department of International Relations at Dhaka University, in his keynote presentation said geopolitics plays a major role in climate change.

"The planet-warming emissions generated during the first two months of the war in Gaza were higher than the annual carbon footprint of more than 20 of the world's most climate-vulnerable nations. Climate futures need to be mainstreamed into every area, politically, economically, educationally, psychologically, and culturally," he said.

Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh; Ibrahim Khalil Al-Zayad, Chairperson of ActionAid International Bangladesh Society; Nayoka Martinez-B"ckstr"m, First Secretary and Deputy Head of Development Cooperation, Embassy of Sweden; Mohammed Mofizur Rahman, Scientist, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK); Sharif Jamil, Council Member, Waterkeeper Alliance; Dr Nazrul Islam, Vice-Chair, Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA); Sheikh Rokon, Secretary General, Riverine People; Dr Samiya Selim, Professor & Director, Center for Sustainable Development, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB); Ekram Kabir, Executive Vice President, Communications, BRAC Bank; M Hafijul Islam Khan, Director, Centre for Climate Justice Bangladesh; Abul Kalam Azad Manager, Just Energy Transition, ActionAid Bangladesh; Anika N Haque and Assistant Professor in Human Geography & Environment, University of York; among others, attended and presented papers in the first day of the water conference.