United News of Bangladesh

A new study has found that 55 of the heat waves recorded over the past 25 years would have been virtually impossible without human-caused climate change, highlighting the role of major fossil fuel and cement producers in driving extreme heat events. Published Wednesday in the journal Nature, the study examined 213 heat waves worldwide from 2000 to 2023 using data from the EM-DAT International Disaster Database. It found that planet-warming emissions from 180 major companies — including publicly traded and state-owned oil, gas, and cement producers — significantly contributed to all the heat waves analyzed. Collectively, these producers are responsible for 57% of carbon dioxide emissions since 1850. “Just a small number of actors are responsible for a large fraction of all emissions,” said Sonia Seneviratne, a climate professor at ETH Zurich and a study contributor. Some heat waves, including Europe’s deadly 2022 events, resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, underscoring their severe consequences. The study used climate attribution methods to link emissions from fossil fuel producers to extreme heat events, an approach that could influence ongoing lawsuits against polluters. Experts say the findings highlight not only the sources of climate-driven disasters but also the importance of accountability for future losses. “As we deal with the impacts, assessing responsibility is crucial,” said Justin Mankin, a Dartmouth climate scientist. “It raises important questions about who should bear the costs of these damages.”  

Long-haul carrier Emirates said Thursday it would create a $200 million fund for research and development projects aimed at reducing the use of fossil fuels in commercial aviation. Emirates made the announcement ahead of releasing their annual report for 2022. The airline, owned by Dubai's government, said the funding would be distributed over three years. “It’s clear that with the current pathways available to airlines in terms of emissions reduction, our industry won’t be able to hit net zero targets in the prescribed timeline,” airline President Tim Clark said in a statement. “We believe our industry needs better solutions, and that’s why we’re looking to partner with leading organizations." Emirates separately will aim to use so-called sustainable aviation fuel as well when possible — though it remains incredibly scarce in the market. In January, the airline successfully flew a Boeing 777 on a test flight with one of its two engines entirely powered by the fuel. The announcement also comes ahead of Dubai hosting the COP28 climate talks in November.  

Released, on Wednesday, in the shadows of the coronavirus pandemic, the production gap report also revealed that while the pandemic and resulting lockdowns led to “short-term drops” in coal, oil and gas production, pre-COVID plans and post-COVID stimulus measures point to a continuation of increasing fossil fuel production, reports UN News. “As we seek to reboot economies following the COVID-19 pandemic, investing in low-carbon energy and infrastructure will be good for jobs, for economies, for health, and for clean air,” said Inger Andersen, Executi

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday reiterated her firm stance to use Bangladesh’s fossil fuel for its own economic development and the wellbeing of people.