Environment
“Put People Over Profit”: Bangladeshi youths join Global Climate Strike
Global Climate Strike 2022 was observed in Bangladesh with hundreds of young people turning out in front of Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka today.
ActionAid Bangladesh, with 72 countries, organized the Climate Strike in collaboration with Fridays for Future and youth groups.
The goal of the climate strike is to urge all nations to act immediately in support of climate justice — by sending a loud, yet nonviolent statement, according to a press release.
Read: PM to focus on peace & climate change in her UNGA speech: Momen
The youngsters demanded that the government declare a ‘Climate Emergency’ and that world leaders prioritize ‘people not profit’.
Environmental degradation is a burning issue, but its impact is not yet measured: Statistics Secretary
Statistics and Informatics Secretary Dr. Shahnaz Arefin has said that environmental degradation is a burning issue, but the severity and impact is not yet well measured.
She made the remarks while addressing a workshop on “Environmental Statistics and GIS Integration for Natural Resource (Capital) Accounts to Measure Green Growth in Bangladesh” jointly organised by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and the World Bank on September 16-19 in Tangail.
She said, “Where we are today is a comparison from yesterday, and we need accurate data to give us a better understanding of where we will be tomorrow, especially in the context of climate change and environmental degradation”.
So, she said, having robust environmental statistics is very important. “This work is multidisciplinary and multifaceted.”
She urged for a convergence of different organizations and agencies’ workflows.
The importance of the regular production of environmental statistics of the highest possible quality has been emphasized at the opening session of the workshop
The workshop explores a range of evolving technologies for collecting more and improved environmental data to support natural resource (capital) accounting and nature-smart policymaking for green growth in Bangladesh.
Read: Govt committed to protect ozone layer: Environment Minister
The government stakeholders emphasized the fact that the environment and development nexus is very strong and interrelated, thus environmental statistics would become mandatory and urgent for understanding and monitoring the progress of green growth, the SDGs, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) and the 8th Five Year Plan.
Md. Rafiqul Islam, project director of the Strengthening Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Statistics (ECDS) scheme, BBS said, “The workshop creates an opportunity for Bangladesh to advance its implementation of the ‘Bangladesh Environmental Statistics Framework (BESF) 2016-2030’.
“Now we have to plan how BBS can successfully institutionalize and operationalize natural resource accounting for measuring green growth indicators of Bangladesh in partnership with ministries, divisions, departments and organizations.”
The challenge is to approach green growth through market-based solutions. And sound data is needed to devise these solutions,” said Eun Joo Allison Yi, Senior Environmental Specialist, World Bank Group.
Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, Executive Director of Bangladesh Policy Research Institute (PRI) said, “Unless there is a strong economic rationale behind actions, people are unlikely to change. Green growth is no different – we need to understand its economic imperative and make strides.”
A wide range of ministries, government departments, research institutes, and stakeholders that are key for environment data production and application joined the workshop, including the Ministry of Planning Statistics and Informatics Division (SID), Planning Commission, Ministry of Forests, Environment and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Forest (BFD), Department of Environment (DOE).
Dhaka’s air quality ‘unhealthy’ this morning
Dhaka's air quality slipped into the 'unhealthy' zone this morning (September 18, 2022).
With an air quality index (AQI) score of 165 at 9 am, the metropolis ranked second in the list of world cities with the worst air quality.
Vietnam’s Hanoi and Pakistan’s Lahore occupied the first and third spots in the list, with AQI scores of 172 and 156 respectively.
Read: Dhaka's air quality "moderate" this morning
An AQI between 101 and 200 is considered 'unhealthy', particularly for sensitive groups.
On the other hand, an AQI between 50 and 100 is considered ‘moderate’ with an acceptable air quality. However, there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Similarly, an AQI between 201 and 300 is said to be 'poor', while a reading of 301 to 400 is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents.
Read: Drizzle fails to clean Dhaka's air
AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, is used by government agencies to inform people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is, and what associated health effects might be a concern for them.
In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria pollutants -- Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2 and Ozone.
Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy during winter and improves during monsoon.
Read What can COP27 do for climate vulnerable countries?
With the advent of winter, the city’s air quality starts deteriorating sharply due to the massive discharge of pollutant particles from construction works, rundown roads, brick kilns and other sources.
Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide. Breathing polluted air has long been recognised as increasing a person’s chances of developing heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, lung infections and cancer, according to several studies.
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.
Read Effects of Air Pollution on Unborn Children, Neonates, Infants
Green Economy in Bangladesh: Prospects and Challenges
The green economy is a new way of living that is based on sustainable consumption and production. In recent years, the concept of a green economy has been getting widely accepted in many countries. To make the green economy a reality in Bangladesh, there are some challenges that are needed to be addressed.
One challenge is the lack of access to clean energy, which makes it difficult for people to live sustainably. However, the Bangladeshi Government has already implemented sound policies that would help promote the green economy. Let’s focus on the problems and prospects of the green economy in Bangladesh.
What is the Green Economy?
The green economy is a term that refers to a way of living that is environmentally friendly and economically sustainable. It refers to practices and policies that promote green energy production, consumption, and waste reduction.
Green economy initiatives can be focused on a specific sector or area, such as renewable energy, transportation, agriculture, city planning, or manufacturing. The Green Economy has been growing in popularity since the term was used in a 1989 report by a group of leading environmental economists, which was made for the Government of the United Kingdom.
Read Renewable energy: 40% target ‘ambitious, but roadmap absent’
In 2008, the United Nations Environment Program started the Green Economy Initiative (GEI). The objective was to strengthen support for environment-friendly investments. One of the aims of the initiative was to increase support at the country level for global risk studies and influence policy-makers to implement green economy programs.
Prospects of Green Economy in Bangladesh
Generally, the financial sector of a country supports the economic growth of that country. So, if the activities of the financial industry are carried out with proper preparation and sincerity, the expansion of the green economy can be another development wonder in Bangladesh.
The population in Bangladesh is increasing day by day. And the use of technology in various stages of product production by various organizations is increasing to keep pace with the increased demand. Hence, the standard of cleanliness of the environment is decreasing.
Read Jashore waste treatment plant makes a big difference
These eventually increase the unexpected costs related to health, loss of biodiversity, carbon emissions, irreparable damage to the ecosystem, surface temperature, climate change, heavy rainfall, non-rainfall, cold currents, etc.
To cope with these issues, the development of a green economy can bring solutions as well as opportunities for exploration within a natural and healthy natural environment.
Green communication, green agriculture, green energy, green banking, green technology, green investment, green marketing, green industry, working environment, transportation, biogas, and geothermal energy all are directly related to a green economy.
Read UNGA chief calls for shift to green economies on Mother Earth Day
However, Bangladesh is not yet ready to apply all of these to improve the green economy. It is a costly and slow process. But the country has some prospects in some sectors such as using solar energy, recycling the used product, green agriculture and using biogas.
Bangladesh can increase the use of solar energy. With the proper use of endless light and heat from the sun, we can create an environment-friendly country in the coming days through various effective measures. Fossil fuel reserves are not infinite, and they will be finished.
But solar energy is derived from nature, a great gift of nature. Encouraging the principle of conservation of natural resources derived from nature ensures habitable earth for future generations.
Read What can COP27 do for climate vulnerable countries?
Moreover, renewable energy can be derived from ocean waves, water, and wind without any negative environmental impact. Thus, renewable energy generation, supply, and technological excellence will create jobs as well as create an environmentally friendly modern country. The growth and expansion of green employment depend on ensuring abundant use of renewable energy.
Converting the environment and destroying waste into incredible energy resources will be the wealth of our future by processing the remaining unnecessary part of daily used products.
Because excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in unplanned agricultural management creates dire conditions. Therefore, the idea of green agriculture is the right decision for the coming future. Using green fertilizer and chemical-free fertilizer helps retain land fertility and increase fertility simultaneously with greater quantity on less land.
Read BGMEA seeks faster delivery of raw materials through green channel
Safe crop production is key. This system talks about all environmentally friendly production and production systems, including the use of organic fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers, diversification of crops, and production of mixed crops. In this regard, encouraging the production and more use of biogas will lead the country toward risk-free environmental development.
Challenges of Green Economy in Bangladesh
The government has taken several important steps to take the green economy forward, which is very positive. But there are many challenges too.
Costly
Green factory installation costs can be up to 30% more than a conventional factory because pleasing production process, energy-efficient technology, water conservation technology, solar panel technology, inverter technology, and rainwater harvesting results in greater construction costs.
Read Bangladesh fails to exploit full potentials of green energy: Official documents
Moreover, industries need to utilize foreign consulting companies because of the absence of qualified professionals in the local area, which increases construction costs a lot. It, therefore, becomes quite hard to reach green economically.
Lack of Policy
Bangladesh has not issued a specific green industrial policy declaration. The high rates of corporate tax and value-added tax are also creating an obstacle to green industrialization, which also makes it challenging to import high-end machinery from abroad.
Lack of Awareness
Consumer behavior is additionally a tricky component in green industry development. The local consumers are poorly informed about the importance of going green. Demand for green products is from simply the western business world. As a result, only export-oriented enterprises are motivated to transition from green industries.
Read Davos climate focus: Can ‘going green’ mean oil and gas?
Other Challenges
Land scarcity, a high-interest cost of loans, insufficient transportation options, insufficient infrastructure for utility services, and other problems can be obstacles to the establishment of green industries in Bangladesh.
Taken Steps to Establish a Green Economy in Bangladesh
The Bangladesh government has already taken several steps to go green. The Government has already approved the 'Renewable Energy Authority Act' in 2012. Coastal green belt development activities have been undertaken. Also, adopted a five-year waiver on the commercial production of renewable energy.
The Bangladesh government has also taken steps to set up solar power and biogas plants. The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project was launched in 2013 to make organic compost fertilizer from municipal waste. To reduce air pollution from brick kilns, instructions have been given to convert old brick kilns to modern eco-friendly technology.
Read Bangladesh, Denmark sign document to strengthen partnership on green transition
Banks have now stopped lending to old brick kilns. A rapid expansion program has been undertaken to set up solar power and biogas plants. Environment courts have been set up in all districts. The government has already taken several steps to encourage farmers to use organic fertilizers. The country has already earned carbon credits by launching a project to produce bio-fertilizers from waste and use solar energy in some villages.
Bangladesh Bank has launched a refinancing program for entrepreneurs to produce green products. Between 2012 and 2016, Bangladesh Bank almost doubled its capital (from Tk 478 million to Tk 920 million) in refinancing green products. Sectors receiving the highest amount of loans under this initiative are—eco-friendly brick kilns, renewable energy, and liquid waste management.
Moreover, Bangladesh Bank has prepared environmental and social risk management policies. Through this policy, green financing initiatives have been taken. The organization is also working on identifying the risks of financing entrepreneurs involved in the production of toxic carbon monoxide and turning them green.
Read RMG: BGMEA, Jeanologia to collaborate on promoting green technologies
Final Words
Both economic growth and environmental conservation are essential for a country. There is no other way to establish a green economy in Bangladesh to make it suitable for living with development. As we are one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change and the environment, it is important to quickly solve the problems by implementing a green economy. Because sustainable development is not possible without a green economy.
What can COP27 do for climate vulnerable countries?
As a result of continuous and rapid changes in climate, natural disasters - such as sea level rise, floods, droughts, river erosion, cyclones, and salinity - are becoming more extreme and destructive with time. It is affecting all the continents of the world. The impacts of climate change are causing loss of crops, and agricultural productions challenging the food security of the world today. In simple words, climate change is threatening the safety of life and property of people and animals around the world.
To fight these issues, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) comes in. This 27th edition of the climate conference known as COP27 will take place in November, 2022. Let’s focus on what COP27 can achieve for the climate change affected countries.
What is COP27?
‘Cop’ means ‘Conference of the Parties. It is a United Nations initiative. In 1995, the first conference of COP was held in Berlin, Germany, which took place in a different country every year.
These conventions serve as the formal meeting of the UNFCCC (Conference of the Parties, COP) parties to discuss progress in attempting to alleviate the effects of climate change, and they began attending discussions beginning roughly in the mid-1990s. The conference also negotiated the Kyoto Protocol with an aim to establish legally binding obligations for developed countries to decrease their greenhouse gas emissions.
Read Huge work ahead of COP27; commitments need to turn into action: Robert Dickson
This year COP27 will take place at Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, from November 6 to November 18. However, COP 27 was initially expected to occur from November 8-20, 2021. But, due to covid 19 pandemic, COP 26 was rescheduled from November 2020 to November 2021. That led to COP 27 from November 2021 to November 2022.
As of 2019, 197 countries have become UNFCCC members. So, this year it is expected that all the member countries will meet with their valuable proposal for the sake of the environment.
UNFCCC COP27 is going to be an important event regarding environmental pollution and climate change. The conference discusses the risks and solutions to climate change. This event is promising because it will help to create a consensus on how to prevent global climate change.
Read Bangladesh-UK Partnership: Experts to discuss priority climate actions Friday
What Should COP27 Achieve for the Vulnerable Countries?
The COP conference should aim to provide a space for vulnerable countries to share their experiences, learn from each other, and create new ideas on how to prevent climate issues. This would help reduce the risk of another devastating conflict in the future.
Mitigation
COP26 was the very first test of the Paris Agreement’s goal-raising function for mitigating climate change. In other words, preventing and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Yet it fell short of reaching its objectives.
By the end of this century, if member states would implement all changes from the ‘nationally determined contributions or ‘NDCs,’ it would still be predicted that the world’s average temperature would rise by 2.4 degrees Celsius. The COP26 final outcome urges all the parties to increase their targets by 2030 to become compatible with NDCs by 2022. Therefore, COP27 is more significant than the previous COPs.
So, COP27 should achieve a mitigation plan so that the vulnerable countries’ risk gets reduced in the long run.
Read How Can One Person Reduce Environmental Pollution?
Adaptation
The COP26 urges the developed countries to double the adaptation financing along with the launch of a two-year work program towards the Global Goal Adaption (GGA). The GGA conducts international support to lessen the vulnerability of countries to climate change and adapt to the environment through holistic, sustainable development.
Vulnerable countries have been seeking assistance for decades. And it is expected that COP27 will bring out a proper adaptation plan for the affected countries.
Finance
The COP26 summit was a major point of frustration and anger for many developing nations. In particular, they expressed frustration and anger at the failure to deliver on promises of regular financing to assist them in adaptation and mitigation efforts.
There should be a move toward fulfilling historic pledges to provide annual climate financing of $100 billion from 2020 to 2025 every year, but those commitments are yet to be met. So, COP27 can be a milestone for vulnerable countries in getting their expected financing for mitigation and adaptation plans.
Read Effects of Air Pollution on Unborn Children, Neonates, Infants
Global Stocktake
COP 27 will host a Technical Dialogue as part of the 2021-23 global stocktake (GST). The GST will assess progress towards fulfilling the Paris Agreement, happening every five years in sync with the ratchet mechanism.
GST evaluates the progress made toward mitigation, adaptation, and preventive measures, assessing the mechanisms that help lessen climate change and its social effects. COP27 will be a crucial moment for scrutinizing the results of such deals. Hence, this can bring adequate outcomes for the susceptible countries.
Compensation for Loss and Damage
Loss of or damage to the environment refers to violations of the constraints of the natural environment that cannot be prevented by preventive measures or adaptation. Developing countries that are least responsible for climate change seek financial support for that irreparable loss and damages from the countries that are highly responsible for the climate crisis.
So, COP27 should achieve compensation for the affected countries.
Read E-Waste Crisis: Effects of Electronic Waste on Environment and Human Health
Final Words
The COP27 should make progress on agreement signings and declarations, which can help secure more financial support for vulnerable countries. The conference should provide them with new ideas on how to fight climate change, help them build resilience to climate shocks, and give them access to mitigation and adaptation plans. So far, we have discussed what COP27 should achieve for the climate vulnerable countries. Stay with us to know the updates of the COP27 conference in 2022.
What Causes Wildfire? How to Prevent Forest Fire?
Wildfires are increasing around the world due to increased temperatures and drier conditions. Although wildfires are a natural part of the ecology of many parts of the world, it is becoming more common due to climate change. And the climate is changing mostly due to human activity, which causes the Earth to warm and makes the air drier. Perhaps it increases the chances of wildfires. This article will take you through the ABCs of wildfire and climate change.
What is Wildfire?
Wildfire is a kind of natural disaster (sometimes man made) that can occur anywhere in the world. They are caused by dry conditions, strong winds, and other factors that can lead to the ignition of flammable materials. Once started, wildfires can spread quickly, consuming everything in their path.
In addition to the damage, they cause to homes and businesses, wildfires also pose a serious threat to human life. Every year, thousands of people are forced to evacuate their homes due to the danger of wildfire. In some cases, such as the California wildfires of 2018, the damage caused by these disasters can cost billions of dollars. Wildfires are a destructive force of nature that everyone should take seriously.
Read Landslide Safety, Preparedness Tips: Dos and Don'ts
Wildfire typically occurs in areas where there is an abundance of dry vegetation that can serve as fuel for the fire. Common regions where wildfires are frequent include parts of the western United States, Australia, and Western South Africa.
This year, the wildfire is at its worst. Because of the extremely hot weather around the world, many European countries are facing some dangerous wildfires in 2022. Cyprus, France, Portugal, and the UK are among the countries facing wildfire.
What Causes Wildfire?
When it comes to wildfires, there are a lot of factors that can contribute to their cause. Things like lightning, human activity, and even the weather can play a role in starting a fire. In dry conditions, a small spark can quickly turn into a large and out of control wildfire. That’s why it’s important to be extra careful when it comes to fire safety in areas that are prone to wildfires.
Read Acid Rain: Causes, Effects and Solutions
Natural Causes of Wildfire
There are three natural causes of wildfires: dryness, wind, and heat. Wildfires need all three of these elements to start and spread. One of the most important things to remember about wildfires is that they can start from a tiny spark. All it takes is for the right conditions to be present, and a wildfire can quickly grow out of control.
Wildfires can start when there’s a buildup of dead trees in an area. The heat from the sun can then dry out the dead trees. This can lead to a buildup of firewood, which can then be set alight by a lightning strike. Also, winds during the fire can boost the wildfire.
Man Made Causes of Wildfire
According to a study, about 85% of wildfires in the USA are man made, and for the rest of the world, the figure would be similar. There are many different man made causes of wildfire. The most common cause is careless human activity, such as unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and fireworks. Other causes can include equipment malfunctions and arson.
Read Effects of Air Pollution on Unborn Children, Neonates, Infants
Effects of Wildfire
Wildfire is a natural part of our forest ecosystem. It helps to clear out dense undergrowth, creates openings in the forest canopy that allow sunlight to reach the ground, and helps to keep trees in check. However, wildfires can have both short-term and long-term effects on the environment.
The short-term effects of wildfire can include injuries or fatalities to people and animals, damage to homes and other structures, and air pollution. The smoke can cause respiratory problems, and the ash can contaminate water supplies. Wildfires can also cause mudslides and flash floods. In the short term, a wildfire can be a devastating force. In the short term, smoke inhalation can cause a range of respiratory problems, from minor irritation to more serious conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia.
In addition, wildfires can cause changes to the landscape that can lead to soil erosion and the loss of vegetation. While the immediate effects of a wildfire are well known, the long-term effects are often not as well understood.
Read How to stop global warming? How to combat climate change in Bangladesh?
Wildfires can have a devastating impact on human health, both in the short and long term. In the long term, exposure to wildfire smoke has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, strokes, and even cancer. The physical damage caused by a wildfire can also have a long-lasting effect.
It can also cause changes in the local climate and wildlife. Economic effects can include the loss of property and infrastructure, as well as the cost of fighting the fire. Social effects can include the displacement of people, as well as the loss of life.
Ways To Prevent Wildfire
There are many ways that people can help prevent wildfires. Wildfire prevention starts with education. People need to be aware of the risks and how to prevent wildfires. Some of the things that people can do are: not leaving their campfires unattended, not throwing their cigarettes out the window, and not parking their cars on dry grass. Other ways to prevent wildfires are by having defensible space around their homes and by not having piles of wood or leaves close to their homes.
Read Climate Change: How Bangladesh is being affected by Global Warming?
Be sure to dispose of any flammable materials properly and never leave a fire unattended. By taking these precautions, you can help prevent the spread of wildfires.
Final Words
Wildfires can be caused by many factors, including weather conditions, human activity, and land management. By following a few simple tips, you can prevent these devastating events from happening in the first place. Educate yourself and your community about the dangers of wildfires, and be proactive when it comes to preventing them from happening.
Landslide Safety, Preparedness Tips: Dos and Don'ts
Natural disasters like landslides can demolish infrastructure, houses, structures and harm living beings like humans, pets, wildlife, forests, etc. Keep reading to find out more information on Landslide safety tips and ways of prevention.
What is a Landslide
A landslide occurs when large volumes of rock, soil, or debris slip down a slope. Debris and mudflows are water-saturated rivers of rock, soil, and other debris. They form when water quickly accumulates in the ground, such as after heavy rainfall or fast snowmelt, turning the land into a mudslide or "slurry" river.
At avalanche rates, they may flow quickly and strike with little or no notice. They may also continue many miles from their origin, expanding in size as they take up trees, stones, automobiles, and other debris.
Read: Acid Rain: Causes, Effects and Solutions
Landslides can be caused by a number of different things, such as the pressure of water from underground, rainfall, earthquakes, human activity, and other things.
When to get prepared for Landslide
While landslides may strike without notice, there are warning indicators to look for, particularly if you live in a landslide-prone location or where landslides have occurred before.
Changes in the landscape, such as the flow of precipitation, new fissures in a building's foundation or in paved areas, skewed trees, fences, and utility poles, and the noises of moving material are all symptoms of a landslide. Watch out for those signs and take the necessary cautions to be safe.
Read: School Fire Drills: Significance, Ways to Conduct Safely
How to prepare for Landslide
Landslides may also happen rapidly and without warning, so being knowledgeable about changes in and around your property that might indicate a landslide is imminent is the best way to prepare.
Safety Plan
Establish an emergency plan for your family or company that is in line with local emergency response and evacuation strategies. Make sure you have the correct insurance. Landslides may be insured by different Flood Insurance Programs in certain places.
The gathering of information is the first thing you should do in order to ensure your safety in the event of a landslide. Find out whether and how often landslides and mudslides have occurred in your town, and locate the evacuation routes and shelters in your region.
Read Effects of Air Pollution on Unborn Children, Neonates, Infants
As is the case with the majority of emergency preparations, you should design a household emergency plan that accounts for the chance that your family would be split apart in the event of a landslide. Prepare a portable emergency stockpiling kit that you are able to carry with you in the event that you are forced to evacuate.
Domestic Animal and Pet Safety
Develop a buddy system. If you are unable to care for or evacuate your pets yourself, make arrangements with nearby residents, neighbours, and family members to ensure that someone will be available to do so.
Make sure your pet has a microchip. Be sure to maintain an up-to-date address and phone number, and also include the contact information for a person who is located outside of your local region who can assist you in case of an emergency.
Read How Can One Person Reduce Environmental Pollution?
If you are unclear how to care for your pet in the event of an emergency, it is recommended that you get in touch with your local emergency management office, animal shelter, or animal control agency for extra guidance and information.
Consider the fundamentals for survival, such as food and water, just like you would with your family's emergency supplies box. Have two kits on hand: one bigger kit for sheltering in place and one lighter one in case you need to leave. Check your kits on a frequent basis to check that the contents, particularly meals and medications, are still fresh.
Property Protection
If you want to protect your home and property from being damaged by landslides, you should think about erecting nets, retaining walls, and cultivating sturdy vegetation. This is highly important on slopes and in regions where wildfires have decimated the surrounding plants and trees. It is not appropriate to destroy vegetation that has the potential to help prevent erosion.
Read: School Fire Hazard Safety: Essential preventive measures to minimise risk
Proper Shelter
If you are unable to escape, relocate to a higher level of your house and remain vigilant while listening to the weather radio or watching the weather on television. If you're in your car, be vigilant and keep an eye out for running water, which might signal the start of a landslide.
Do's and Don’ts During Landslide
In the event of a landslide, it is imperative that you safeguard yourself and your community by adhering to certain fundamental dos and don'ts until official aid comes.
What You Should Do
- If you are staying in a landslide-prone region, attempt to leave as soon as possible.
- Be wary of large stones that are unusually cracking or rolling.
- Keep an eye on the stream or channel's water. A change in colour from clear to muddy or an increase in water level might be concerning.
- Keep yourself out of the way of falling rubble or landslides.
- Keep an eye out for mudslides or debris overflow on the road.
- Contact the local government for assistance or aid.
- Notify your neighbours about the disaster.
- Simply bring your essential papers and valuables.
- Make your life a higher priority than your house furnishings or automobiles on the road.
Read How to stop global warming? How to combat climate change in Bangladesh?
What You Shouldn’t Do
- During the Landslide, avoid driving.
- Crossing a stream or a flooded river is not a good idea.
- Try to follow the government's directions and do not disobey them.
- Do not disregard moist places or any signs of a road or building fractures.
How to prevent the human causes of Landslide
Though a landslide is a natural disaster, human activities can influence the process. Land mismanagement may produce landslides, especially in mountainous canyons and coastal areas. Lower precipitation thresholds may cause landslides in regions burnt by forest and brush fires. Many landslides, mudflow, and debris flow hazards may be avoided through land-use zoning, competent inspections, and good design.
Conclusion
Landslides may be produced for a multitude of reasons, including earthquakes, storms, volcanic eruptions, fire, and human land alteration. So far we have mentioned how to stay prepared for landslides. If the people of a community follow a comprehensive landslide safety plan, the harm to life and property can be minimised.
Read: Apartment Fire Safety: Causes, Prevention, Ways to Stop Fire in Residential Buildings
Unilever starts collecting plastic in partnership with Circular
Unilever Bangladesh and Circular, a social purpose-driven organisation involved in plastic waste management, have joined hands to collect 1,000 tonnes of plastic from Dhaka in the next year.
The plastic wastes will be collected from Dhaka North City Corporation and Dhaka South City Corporation from June 2022 to May 2023.
Read: Unilever Bangladesh launches Sustainability Report 2021
According to the World Bank data, less than 30 percent of the plastic waste produced in Bangladesh is collected and only 37 percent of the collected plastic waste is recycled while the remaining is landfilled, among which an estimated 24,032–36,047 tonnes are dumped in the river system.
To prevent this environmental catastrophe caused by plastic waste pollution, Unilever Bangladesh believes it is important to build a sustainable circular loop that contributes to the circular economy and sustainable development goals (SDGs).
The company has built multi-stakeholder models with diversified partners to collect 10,000 tonnes of plastic from the environment by 2023.
Unilever and Circular will work together to build a sustainable and equitable reverse supply chain for the recovery of all kinds of post-consumer plastic waste.
Circular's plastic collection model will help bring together the waste collectors, increasing the transparency and traceability of the supply chain.
Also, it works at the household level to create awareness about the harmful effects of plastic pollution and the need for segregation at the source to recover all plastics to improve their recyclability.
TEI GET to promote renewable energy in Bangladesh
Team Europe Initiative on Green Energy Transition (TEI GET) will promote renewable energy in Bangladesh in achieving its national goal.
The TEI GET expressed such interest while a delegation of the organisation made a field visit to 3 renewable energy projects in Dhamrai area of Dhaka on Tuesday.
According to a release, representatives off Germany and the European Union, as TEI GET Co-Chairs, along with high-level representatives of Denmark, Sweden, AFD, GIZ, KFW, Switzerland were present.
Read Akij sets up rooftop solar plant with Huawei's technology
Additional Secretary of Renewable Energy, Power Division of Bangladesh Md Mostafa Kamal,, Additional Secretary and Member Admin, Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) Md Golam Mostofa were also present.
The field visit, organized together with IDCOL, started with a guided tour of the operational rooftop solar with Net Metering system at Snowtex Outerwear Ltd. at Dhamrai, Savar, following a discussion meeting with TEI GET, IDCOL, Snowtex Management and Government counterparts.
Later, the group visited an IDCOL project, co-financed by KFW, of Solar Irrigation Pumps, and a domestic biogas plant in Dhamrai.
Read: 25% electricity from renewables by 2030: SREDA proposes, GOB disposes?
During the visit’s discussion, Johannes Schneider, Head of Development Cooperation, Germany, highlighted EU Member States’ common interest to support Bangladesh in achieving their national goals and international commitments in the field of renewable energy through the Team Europe Initiative
“This Initiative will allow us to better coordinate and consolidate our engagement in the Green Energy Sector and strengthen our relationship with the Bangladesh Government and the private sector,” he said.
Maurizio Cian, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation, highlighted the transformational approach of Team Europe said that the Team Europe’s common values and expertise in Renewable Energy are key drivers of this initiative.
Read Bangladesh seeks IRENA’s support to explore renewable energy potential
“Team Europe provides the framework to deliver European support to the Government of Bangladesh, with the ambition of a transformational impact in accelerating a green and just energy transition,” he added.
Mostafa Kamal, Additional Secretary of Power Division, said that Bangladesh is committed to increase renewable energy contribution in the national power generation mix, to promote appropriate, efficient and environment friendly technology for the development of renewable energy.
“We are looking forward to implementing our strategies in collaboration with Team Europe,” he said.
Read: Renewable energy could be Bangladesh’s best option post Covid-19
TEI GET, launched in Dhaka in June 2021, aims at supporting Bangladesh to build a power system that leads to maximum coverage of the country`s energy demand through renewable energy while reducing GHG emissions, energy consumption and demand through energy efficiency.
TEI GET, co-chaired by Germany and the EU includes EU Member States Denmark, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and like-minded countries like Norway and Switzerland.
TEI GET comprises projects in the area of effective sustainable energy market, optimized grid infrastructure and renewable energy integration into the grid, it added.
Read Govt aims for 10% electricity from renewables by 2025
Acid Rain: Causes, Effects and Solutions
In today's contemporary world, the phrase "acidic rain" is hardly unheard of. These days, the majority of the world's regions have been affected by the pollution in question. The term refers to precipitation that is much more acidic than the ordinary, as the name implies. It is detrimental not only to the water bodies, such as lakes, streams, and ponds, but also to the flora and fauna that make their homes within the environment in question. Stay with us to know why does acid rain occur, what are the impacts, and ways of prevention.
What is Acid Rain?
Acid rain is made up of water droplets that are extremely acidic due to air pollution, most notably the excessive levels of sulphur and nitrogen emitted by vehicles and industrial operations. Acid rain is sometimes termed acid deposition since this word encompasses various kinds of acidic precipitation.
The pH level of the water droplets, which measures the amount of acidity or alkalinity in the water, is used as a basis for determining acidity. On the pH scale, 0 represents the most acidic, 14 represents the most alkaline, and 7 represents neutrality. A lower pH indicates a more acidic substance, whereas a higher pH indicates an alkaline substance. The pH of regular rainfall ranges from 5.3 to 6.0, and it has a hint of acidity.
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There is an abundance of acid deposition in the southeastern region of Canada, the northeastern part of the United States, and large areas of Europe, including some regions of Sweden, Norway, and Germany.
In addition, there is a possibility that acid deposition may have an impact on some regions of South Asia and South Africa in the not-too-distant future. It is imperative that steps be done in order to mitigate the devastating effects that acid rain has brought forth.
Though acid rain is a significant environmental issue that affects many regions of the globe, it is especially prevalent in large portions of the United States and Canada.
Read Bangladesh: On the frontline of a planet in peril
Causes of Acid Rain
Acid deposition may be created by naturally occurring sources such as volcanoes.
In the current world, burning of fossil fuels is the primary source of acid deposition because of the emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide.
These gases, when released into the atmosphere, combine with the water, oxygen, and other gases that are already there to produce sulfuric acid, ammonium nitrate, and nitric acid, respectively. After then, the wind patterns lead these acids to get dispersed across broad distances, and they eventually return to the land as acid rain or other types of precipitation.
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The production of electrical power and the combustion of coal both result in the emission of gases that contribute significantly to acid deposition. Because of this, man-made acid deposition started becoming a big concern throughout the Industrial Revolution.
In 1852, Scottish scientist Robert Angus Smith was the first person to uncover this phenomenon. In that year, he made the connection between acid rain and air pollution in Manchester, England, which is located in the United Kingdom. Though Acid deposition was identified in the 1800s, it began to get major public attention in the 1960s .
In 1972, the phrase "acid rain" was first used to describe this kind of deposition. The "New York Times" began publishing articles in the 1970s detailing issues that were happening in the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest located in New Hampshire. These articles helped bring the issue to the attention of the general public.
Read Climate Change: How Bangladesh is being affected by Global Warming?
Effects of Acid Rain on Environment, Human, and Wildlife
Following their investigations in the Hubbard Brook Forest as well as other locations, researchers discovered a number of significant consequences of acid deposition on both natural and artificial ecosystems.
Impact of Acid Rain on Natural Environment
Aquatic environments are the ones that are most obviously impacted by acid deposition because acidic precipitation falls directly into aquatic environments. Deposition, both dry and wet, washes off of roadways, fields, and forests into bodies of water including lakes, rivers, and streams.
This acidic liquid is diluted when it travels into bigger bodies of water and mixes with the water there. However, over the course of time, acidity may build up and reduce the pH of the body of water as a whole.
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In certain regions, acid deposition also causes clay soils to discharge aluminium and magnesium, which further reduces the pH of the soil in those areas. If the pH of a lake falls below 4.8, the plants and animals that live in it are in danger of dying. It is estimated that over 50,000 lakes in the United States and Canada have a pH that is lower than what is considered normal. A pH level that is too low in several hundred of these makes it impossible for any aquatic life to survive.
Acid deposition may have a considerable impact on forests, in addition to having an effect on bodies of water. As a result of the acid rain that falls on trees, the trees may lose their leaves, suffer damage to their bark, and have their growth stifled. Because these portions of the tree have been damaged, they are now more susceptible to attack from pests, diseases, and harsh weather.
Acid rain that falls on the soil of a forest is another source of environmental damage because it messes with the soil's nutritional balance, it kills the microorganisms that live in the soil, and it may occasionally lead to a calcium deficit. Because the humidity in the clouds envelops the trees at higher elevations, these trees are just as vulnerable to the issues that are caused by acidic cloud cover.
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Impact of Acid Rain on Man Made Environment
Acid deposition can also have an influence on architectural structures and artistic creations. When acid rain falls on structures, it interacts with the minerals that are present in the stones, which may occasionally cause the stones to deteriorate and wash away.
Deposition of acid may degrade concrete, as well as contemporary structures, automobiles, railroad tracks, aircraft, steel bridges, and pipelines both above and below ground. It can also cause train tracks to become corroded.
How Can We Prevent Acid Rain
Since a big proportion of our electrical source originates from fossil fuels like gas, coal and oil, enormous volumes of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are created which strongly contributes to acid rain.
Read How Can One Person Reduce Environmental Pollution?
While burning gasoline mostly accounts for nitrogen emissions, burning coal is the largest contributor to the release of sulphur dioxide. However, contemporary technologies may alleviate this difficulty substantially. There are techniques that may cut gas emission by up to 95 percent .
Another supplemental option is the move from fossil to renewable energy for the production of electricity. Some examples include geothermal, wind, solar or hydroelectric energy sources. By discontinuing the employment of coal, oil and gas, the nitrogen and sulphur emissions might be considerably decreased.
Since the excessive use of pesticides and fertilisers contribute to pollution with nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxides which in turn lead to acid rain, a reduction in the use of these chemicals may help reduce the acid rain issue to a certain degree.
ReadEffects of Air Pollution on Unborn Children, Neonates, Infants
Conclusion
So far we have discussed the causes, efects and preventions of acid rain. There are really numerous things that you can do as an individual to help avoid it. Any effort you may take to preserve energy will minimise the number of fossil fuels that are used to create that energy, hence minimising the creation of acid rain. To fight this major issue, being aware and making the change from an individual perspective have no alternative.