Yesterday, at the WildTeam Conservation Biology Centre in Joymoni, Mongla, Sundarbans, I stood before a group of 49 bright-eyed schoolchildren gathered for the annual TigerScouts Camp, organised by WildTeam under the aegis of IUCN’s Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme (ITHCP), supported by German Cooperation and KfW Development Bank. 

Their faces, alight with curiosity and hope, reflected the spirit of a generation ready to take on the mantle of environmental stewardship. These young minds had come together not just to learn but to embrace their role as future guardians of our planet.

As I began my presentation on climate change and its impact on the Sundarbans, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of optimism. Here, in this room, were the seeds of change—the next generation of conservationists ready to tackle one of the greatest challenges of our time.

For 30 minutes, I took them on a journey through the intricacies of Earth’s climate, explaining how human activities are altering the delicate balance of our planet. I spoke of rising sea levels, intensifying storms, and the slow but steady encroachment of saltwater in and around the Sundarbans—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.

I painted a picture of how these changes are not just abstract concepts but real threats to the animals, ecosystems, and communities that call the Sundarbans home. The Royal Bengal Tiger, the mangrove forests, and the millions of people who depend on this unique ecosystem are all at risk.

Science behind climate change impacts

To help the TigerScouts understand the complexity of climate change, I shared insights from my Master’s research, which included a detailed diagram illustrating its direct and indirect impacts. The diagram showed how even small changes in temperature and precipitation can have cascading effects on natural systems.

For instance, species with narrow tolerances to environmental changes may experience disruptions in their behavior, such as altered breeding or migration patterns, leading to mismatches in ecological timing. These changes can reduce the quality and suitability of habitats, fragment ecosystems, and force species to migrate or face extirpation. Interspecific dependencies, where species rely on one another for survival, can also be disrupted, causing ripple effects throughout the food web.

Barriers to migration, whether natural or human-made, further exacerbate these challenges, leaving species trapped in increasingly inhospitable environments. At the same time, human activities such as increased water extraction, land use changes, and migration intensify these pressures, leading to heightened human-wildlife conflicts.

However, the diagram also highlighted mitigation approaches, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, implementing REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation), restoring forests, and transitioning to renewable energy.

Adaptation strategies, like building coastal defences and promoting ecosystem-based solutions, were also emphasised as critical tools for resilience.

What struck me most was the depth of their engagement. These young TigerScouts weren’t just passive listeners; they were active participants, eager to understand and eager to act. At the end of the presentation, their hands shot up with questions that reflected both curiosity and concern. One student asked about the climate of Australia, wanting to understand how different parts of the world experience climate change in unique ways.

Another asked a question that stayed with me long after the session ended: “What can we, as students, do to help the Sundarbans?”

That question, simple yet profound, encapsulated the spirit of the TigerScouts. These children aren’t just waiting for adults to solve the problems; they want to be part of the solution. My answer to them was clear: Every action, no matter how small, counts.

Planting trees, reducing plastic waste, conserving energy, and spreading awareness in their communities can create a ripple effect of change. I encouraged them to focus on their studies, to delve into the sciences, and to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle these challenges head-on. But more than that, I urged them to be good human beings—to lead by example, to inspire others, and to remember that the fight for our planet is also a fight for our shared humanity.

The Sundarbans is more than just a forest; it is a lifeline for millions, a sanctuary for wildlife, and a symbol of resilience. Yet, it is under threat, not just from local challenges but from the global crisis of climate change.

Bangladesh, as one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, is already bearing the brunt of this crisis. The increased frequency of devastating tropical cyclones—like Amphan (2020), which caused widespread destruction in the Sundarbans and coastal regions, and Yaas (2021), which inundated vast areas with saline water—are stark reminders of the urgency of the situation.

These storms, coupled with recurring floods caused by upstream water flow from neighboring countries and the relentless rise in sea levels, are not distant possibilities—they are our present reality.

In this context, the role of programs like TigerScouts becomes even more critical. By training and empowering young people, we are not just preparing them to protect the Sundarbans; we are equipping them to tackle the broader, futuristic problems created by anthropogenic climate change.

These young conservationists are learning to think critically, act responsibly, and lead courageously. As they grow up, they will be the ones who will advocate for sustainable policies, innovate solutions, and inspire their communities to adopt climate-resilient practices. In their hands lies the power to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience.

As I left the camp, I carried with me a sense of renewed purpose. The fight against climate change is daunting, but it is not insurmountable. In the eyes of these young TigerScouts, I saw a future where conservation is not just a duty but a way of life.

They reminded me that the Sundarbans, and indeed our planet, are worth fighting for. And with their energy, creativity, and determination, I am confident that they will lead the way.

The survival of the Sundarbans depends on the actions we take today. But if yesterday’s camp was any indication, the future of this precious ecosystem is in capable hands. Together, we can nurture this generation of young leaders, empower them with the tools they need, and watch as they transform their passion into action.

The Sundarbans may be facing unprecedented challenges, but with the TigerScouts at the helm, there is hope—and where there is hope, there is the possibility of a brighter, greener future.