Without immediate and meaningful action, future generations would face a heavy toll from the worsening climate crisis, speakers warned on Saturday.
They urged coordinated and effective measures to address climate-related losses and damages.
The call came during a ‘Climate Dialogue’ and Iftar programme in the capital, organised by the Climate Action and Justice Foundation. The speakers highlighted growing environmental risks and stressed the government’s responsibility in tackling them.
Arifuzzaman Mamun, Founder and Chairman of the Foundation, said the impacts of climate change are no longer a distant threat but a harsh present-day reality. Rising salinity in coastal areas, river erosion, increasing intensity of cyclones, and abnormal temperature spikes in urban centres are placing agriculture, public health, and the national economy under serious threat.
He noted that major cities, including Dhaka, are experiencing intensified heatwaves and worsening waterlogging, while coastal communities are repeatedly losing their homes and being forced into climate-induced displacement. “In cities like Dhaka, extreme heat and waterlogging have reached new levels, while coastal residents are turning into climate refugees after losing their homes time and again,” he said.
Regarding government action, Mamun stressed the urgent need to implement long-term adaptation strategies, construct sustainable embankments to protect coastal areas, preserve water bodies and expand urban greenery within city planning, and increase investment in renewable energy. He also emphasised ensuring transparency in the use of climate funds and strengthening the involvement of local government institutions in climate initiatives.
Foundation member Moin Uddin Khan said climate change is reducing agricultural productivity and putting food security at risk. He called for easy-term loans and technical support for affected farmers to help them adapt to changing conditions.
Another member Abdur Rahman Jahangir said government initiatives alone are not enough to protect the environment, stressing the need for public awareness and social movements.
He also underscored strengthening environmental education in educational institutions and engaging young people in climate action.
Rashed Ul Haque Sarkar highlighted the need for stronger diplomatic efforts at the international level to ensure climate justice. He urged the government to take a more proactive role in securing pledged climate financing from developed countries.
Among others, foundation members Metahar Hossain, SM Rana, Mohsina Shawon, Jannat, Shormi Khan, actor Bilash, and Salim Ullah Mezbah, were also present.