United News of Bangladesh

The US Supreme Court on Tuesday chose not to hear a petition from young climate activists who had argued that the federal government's role in climate change violated their constitutional rights. This decision marks the conclusion of a legal battle that began in 2015, when 21 plaintiffs, the youngest being 8 years old, filed the case. They claimed that the U.S. government’s actions, which supported a fossil fuel-driven economy, breached their right to a life-sustaining climate. Murphy, famous bald eagle who became a foster dad, dies after Missouri storms The case, known as Juliana v. United States, named one of the activists, Kelsey Juliana, and faced repeated opposition from the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations. The government’s lawyers contended that the case sought to change federal environmental and energy policies through the courts instead of the political process. Julia Olson, the chief legal counsel for Our Children’s Trust, the nonprofit representing the plaintiffs, said the lawsuit’s influence “cannot be measured by the finality of this case alone.” She noted that Juliana had sparked a global youth-led climate movement that continues to grow, empowering young people to demand their constitutional right to a safe climate and future. "We’ve already secured important victories, and we will continue pushing forward,” she said. The plaintiffs sought a court trial to determine if the U.S. government violated their fundamental rights to life and liberty by supporting a fossil fuel-based energy system. After years of legal proceedings, in 2018, the case was almost brought to trial, but it was halted by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts just days before it began. In 2020, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the case, stating that decisions about national climate policy should be made by politicians, not judges. However, U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken in Oregon allowed the activists to amend their lawsuit, ruling that it could go to trial. In 2024, following a request from the Biden administration, a three-judge panel from the 9th Circuit ordered Judge Aiken to dismiss the case, which she did. The plaintiffs then attempted, unsuccessfully, to revive the lawsuit by petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court. In response to the latest developments, Our Children’s Trust is now preparing a new federal case based on the same constitutional principles as the Juliana case. The plaintiffs, who are now aged between 17 and 29, have continued their climate advocacy in various ways. Many are still in university, and about half are from Oregon. Some of the key plaintiffs include Juliana, who became a primary school teacher; Alex Loznak, who is now an environmental and immigration lawyer; and Nathan Baring, who runs a reindeer herding association in Alaska. Baring commented that this was not the end, stating, “We’re part of a wave.” 2024 breaks 175-year global heat record; poses long-term risk for Bangladesh Miko Vergun, a plaintiff born in the Marshall Islands, is focused on ensuring the survival of her homeland. She recently graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in cultural anthropology. Vergun expressed that although the Supreme Court’s decision wasn’t what they had hoped, there had been "many wins along the way," adding, “We’ve shown the world that young people will not be ignored.” Our Children’s Trust has initiated climate legal actions on behalf of young people in all 50 states, with active cases in Florida, Utah, and Alaska. In December 2024, the Montana Supreme Court upheld a historic ruling that the state was violating residents' constitutional rights by allowing fossil fuel projects without considering their impact on global warming. In Hawaii, a settlement was reached with 13 youth plaintiffs, requiring the state government to achieve zero emissions in its transportation system by 2045. Internationally, the Oregon case has inspired over 60 youth-led climate lawsuits worldwide.

The sharp buzz of a chainsaw echoes through the forest as a small group of farmers gathers around a tree bearing red seed pods. With a slow, deliberate stroke, a severed knobby branch falls to the ground. “This will now help the tree grow new fruit,” farmer Tari Santoso says with a smile. Millions of Muslims in Indonesia observe the beginning of holy month of Ramadan Like Santoso, thousands of cocoa farmers across Indonesia are partnering with businesses and other organisations to safeguard their crops from the adverse effects of climate change and underinvestment, which have driven cocoa prices to record highs. Cocoa trees require intensive care, thriving only near the equator where a delicate balance of temperature, humidity, and sunlight is necessary. It takes five years for a tree to begin producing seeds that are processed into cocoa for chocolate and other sweet treats. Climate change poses increasing risks for farmers: Rising temperatures reduce yields, while prolonged rainy seasons encourage the spread of fungus and destructive pests. The growing unpredictability of weather patterns has made it even harder for farmers to cope with these challenges. As a result, some farmers are turning to alternative crops, further decreasing cocoa supplies and driving prices higher. In 2024, prices nearly tripled, soaring to around US$12,000 per ton. This surge has increased chocolate costs and led some manufacturers to explore growing cocoa in laboratories. Indonesia ranks as the world’s third-largest cocoa producer, following Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. To improve their livelihoods and develop better farming methods, farmers are collaborating with businesses and non-governmental organisations. In his shaded forest farm in South Sumatra, located 3 miles (5 kilometres) from a national park where Sumatran tigers and rhinos roam, Santoso partners with Indonesian chocolate maker Krakakoa. Since joining forces with the company in 2016, Santoso has adopted new techniques that have revitalised his cocoa trees. He regularly prunes and grafts new branches onto older trees to encourage growth and prevent disease spread. Additionally, he uses organic fertiliser and integrates agroforestry practices, cultivating bananas, dragon fruit, coffee, and pepper alongside cocoa to foster a healthier ecosystem and diversify his income sources. “It wasn’t very successful before we met Krakakoa,” Santoso said. “But then we received training ... things are much better.” Krakakoa has trained over 1,000 cocoa farmers in Indonesia, providing both guidance and financial support, according to its founder and CEO, Sabrina Mustopo. 6.0-magnitude earthquake jolts off Indonesia's North Sulawesi Santoso and other Sumatra-based farmers say their partnership enabled them to establish a cooperative that offers low-interest loans. Instead of paying interest to banks outside their community, farmers repay it within the cooperative itself. For those requiring larger loans from government-owned banks, working with businesses can be advantageous. The guaranteed buyer agreements serve as collateral, helping farmers secure loan approvals, explained Armin Hari, communications manager at the Cocoa Sustainability Partnership, a public-private forum for cocoa development in Indonesia. Hari noted that numerous businesses, government agencies, NGOs, and cooperatives are supporting cocoa farmers in adapting to climate change, benefiting thousands. He highlighted a collaboration between Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency and the local branch of international chocolate maker Mars, which has introduced a new cocoa variety that yields more pods per tree. However, challenges persist, said Rajendra Aryal, the FAO’s country director for Indonesia. Fewer people view cocoa farming as a profitable venture, leading them to cultivate alternative crops like palm oil. Additionally, many small-scale farmers still struggle to obtain loans, he noted. Despite these difficulties, Aryal remains hopeful that continued collaboration between farmers and stakeholders will provide solutions. “If we can address the key issues these (farmers) are facing ... I believe this sector could once again become highly appealing to farmers,” he said. “Despite the challenges in Indonesia, I see opportunities ahead.”

Former US Vice President Al Gore, who has emerged as one of the world's top climate change activists, has vowed to support Bangladesh's reform programmes. Al Gore met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting in the Swiss mountain city on Thursday. They discussed the July uprising, climate change, and how to mitigate the impact of global warming, the reform initiatives undertaken by the Interim Government, and election and geopolitical issues. The former US VP expressed his support for the country's reform programmes and fixing Bangladesh's institutions and its democratic transition through a free and fair vote, said Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Al Gore also praised the global Three Zero movement launched by Professor Yunus to combat carbon emissions, wealth concentration, poverty, and unemployment. Read: EU calls for consensus on priority reforms in Bangladesh Prof Yunus handed him a copy of The Art of Triumph, the celebrated art book on graffiti and wall paintings drawn during the July uprising. Al Gore lauded the "amazing" book and the revolutionary spirit of the Bangladeshi young people. "I looked at every page of the book," Al Gore said.

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has called for unified global action to confront the challenges of climate change. She spoke about the importance of minimising environmental harm while striving to meet mitigation targets during a Capacity Building Workshop on Paris Agreement Article 6 Implementation, held at the Department of Environment Agargaon, on Wednesday. Environment Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed addressed the event as a special guest, while the Department of Environment Director General presided over the workshop. Rizwana, US Charge d’Affaires discuss critical environmental challenges “Market-driven solutions have a role, but my humble request is to prepare ourselves for the challenges of climate change. Together, we must work to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Failure to do so will endanger the existence of vulnerable countries like ours. Let the urgency of this crisis inspire us to achieve our future aspirations,” Adviser Rizwana said. “Mitigating through trading comes with a price, but it also offers opportunities to improve governance standards and operational efficiency. For instance, Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects in the energy sector can address gas emissions and improve efficiency across industries,” she added. Hilly areas neglected in climate change interventions: Rizwana  “With modest investment, we can scale up initiatives that save lives by targeting air quality improvements. The government is focusing on investments that prioritise saving lives over creating extravagant infrastructure,” she also said. “The demand for climate justice must centre on mitigation. While countries like Bangladesh have had voluntary obligations historically, the Paris Agreement now extends this framework globally. Mechanisms like Article 6 and Article 6.4 pose challenges in ensuring fair responsibility sharing, but they also offer opportunities for carbon trading and collaboration,” Rizwana said.

As the World Economic Forum’s annual gabfest in the Swiss Alps got into full swing Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump gave everybody something to talk about with his actions on his first day back in office. Energy industry executives could consider Trump's vow to “drill, baby, drill.” Foreign leaders deciphered what he meant by his wish to expand U.S. territory. Trade advocates digested the unveiling of his “External Revenue Service” to collect tariffs and duties — a concern for many business leaders at the elite gathering. From the earliest speeches, panel discussions and back-channel meetings in the town of Davos, Trump’s executive orders and evocative oratory were setting tongues wagging. Here's a look at some major themes. EU's von der Leyen leads defense on climate Right from the start, participants were able to riff off of Trump’s new tack. For all his various pronouncements, European leaders put a big focus on the fight against global warming after his executive order directing the U.S. government to pull out of the Paris climate pact — again. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Union's executive branch, called the 2015 accord “the best hope for all humanity” and vowed: “Europe will stay the course, and keep working with all nations that want to protect nature and stop global warming.” The voluntary pact aims to limit long-term global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels or at least keep temperature rises well under 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit). Before her speech, climate activists unfurled a banner over the main Davos Congress Center atrium that read, “Tax the super-rich! Fund a just and green future.” Even without the U.S. government, the private sector and countries leading the clean energy transition like China are continuing to work on climate change. “The world is undergoing an energy transition that is unstoppable,” United Nations climate chief Simon Stiell said. The “door remains open” if the U.S. wants to get back into the Paris accord one day, he added. Democracy and human rights on the defensive? Business leaders and political pundits — as so often with Trump — sought to cut through the bluster and over-the-top pronouncements like his call for U.S. territorial expansion or the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.” Read: WEF: CA Dr Yunus arrives in Switzerland, over 40 engagements planned in Davos Europe, like the United States seen as a paragon of democratic values, has been riven by political discord in countries such as France and Germany. Some recently ascendant leaders like Italy's Giorgia Meloni — who was invited to the inauguration — have cast themselves as more Trump-friendly. Alain Berset, a former Swiss president who heads the Council of Europe, which defends human rights and supports democracy, said he was “not surprised” by Trump's speech. He said Trump returned to power in a democratic election, but democracy must be continually defended. “We are witnessing a backsliding in democracy everywhere in the world, even in the most advanced democracy," Berset told The Associated Press. "It is a movement into the bad — in the wrong direction.” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has criticized Trump ally Elon Musk's support for the European far-right, was expected to speak later Tuesday . Scholz's hold on power in economically sluggish Germany appears tenuous. His Social Democrats are trailing third in polls showing conservative Friedrich Merz is the favorite to become the next chancellor after the Feb. 23 elections. Merz himself is set to take part in a discussion in Davos late in the day Tuesday. Trump didn't talk Ukraine. Zelenskyy did in Davos During his presidential campaign, Trump said he could end the Russia-Ukraine war in one day. He didn't mention either country in his inaugural address, even if he did say he wants to be “a peacemaker and a unifier” more generally. Nearly three years after Russia's full-blown invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used his platform in Davos to urge European allies to remain united. Read more: Israel's president and the OpenAI CEO will take part in Davos on Day 3 of the World Economic Forum “We’re at yet another turning point, which some see as a problem for Europe, but others call a chance. Europe must establish itself as a strong global player,” he said. “Let’s not forget – there’s no ocean separating European countries from Russia. He acknowledged the critical role of the United States as an ally for Europe. “In times of war, everyone worries – will the United States stay with them? Every ally worries about that. But does anyone in the United States worry that Europe might abandon them someday – might stop being their ally?" Zelenskyy said. "The answer is no,” he said. “Europe can’t afford to be second or third in line for its allies. If that happens, the world will start moving forward without Europe, and that’s a world that won’t be comfortable or beneficial for Europeans," he added. Mideast, Gaza aid and ‘gold medal’ for Trump? Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani are likely to discuss the Gaza ceasefire. Tom Fletcher, the head of the U.N. humanitarian aid coordinator, said his immediate priority was ensuring aid gets into Gaza during the ceasefire. Beyond that, he said he hoped Trump might help find a way to foster Mideast peace between Israelis and Palestinians, that has evaded his predecessors and many other diplomats and decision makers for decades. “I hope there is an argument that can be made to Trump that this is the thing that (Joe) Biden and (Barack) Obama and (Bill) Clinton couldn’t do," Fletcher, who is British, said. “You know, this is your chance to get a great big gold medal.” Then he added some advice for Trump: “Don’t be a loser. Be a winner.”

BIPSS President Major General (Retd) ANM Muniruzzaman has emphasised the necessity of developing a comprehensive national policy to address rising temperatures, sea-level rise, and other climate-induced risks, which could result in catastrophic consequences, including the loss of 20% of Bangladesh’s landmass and mass displacement.  He made the remarks while addressing at a workshop on “Climate Change and Security: Addressing Potential Instabilities in Bangladesh” hosted by Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) with the support from the European Union. The event brought together researchers, journalists, NGO officials, and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ansar and Village Defence Party, Bangladesh Fire Service & Civil Defence, Border Guard Bangladesh, Navy Headquarters, Coast Guard, Police Staff College, Bangladesh Police, Defence Services Command and Staff College, and other security agencies. Ancient climate crisis offers warning on modern ocean acidification: study The President of BIPSS highlighted the growing importance of addressing climate change as a national and regional security issue due to its potential to destabilize societies and exacerbate existential threats. Despite being a frontline state, Bangladesh lacked a clear strategy to tackle these challenges. The workshop aimed to bring together stakeholders to deliberate on crafting a robust national strategy to mitigate these threats and ensure sustainable security and stability. It featured prominent speakers, including Shafqat Munir, Senior Research Fellow at BIPSS, and Commodore (Retd) Sheikh Mahmudul Hasan, Deputy Director, Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies, Independent University, Bangladesh.  Additionally, a video presentation by Alice C. Hill, David M. Rubenstein Senior Fellow for Energy and the Environment at the Council on Foreign Relations, Washington, D.C., added valuable insights to the discussions. The presentations and discussions explored the pressing challenges posed by climate change and fostered innovative collaboration among stakeholders.  They also highlighted the transformative role of security sectors in driving resilience and sustainable solutions. Environmental groups sue over California support for polluting biofuels The workshop began with Shafqat Munir’s presentation, which focused on climate change as a "threat multiplier," emphasizing its role in exacerbating vulnerabilities such as resource scarcity, economic instability, and displacement.  He stressed the importance of integrating climate policies into security frameworks, leveraging tools like the Climate Security Mechanism to address socio-political risks.  This was followed by a video presentation that outlined the military’s transition from traditional roles to humanitarian assistance, emphasising the need for threat-specific strategies and addressing climate disinformation as a barrier to coordinated responses. Commodore Sheikh Mahmudul Hasan emphasised the transformative role of security sectors in addressing climate change, advocating for a shift from traditional defense roles to proactive climate resilience efforts.  Highlighting the concept of "climate security," he underscored the need for cross-sector collaboration, early warning systems, and sustainable practices to mitigate climate risks.  His call for integrating climate adaptation into national security strategies aligned with global sustainability goals, stressing the importance of building disaster-resilient infrastructure and enhancing institutional capacities to combat the multifaceted impacts of climate change. The event concluded with a question-and-answer session that emphasised the vital role of the security sector in responding to climate change by contributing to disaster preparedness, resilience building, and sustainability through the efforts of military, police, and intelligence agencies at both national and international levels.  Muniruzzaman summarized the key takeaways and outlined future directions for addressing climate-security challenges in Bangladesh.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has recovered 16 acres of illegally occupied forest land in Gazipur since August 5 out of a total of 90 acres marked for reclamation, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said. She said this while addressing a discussion on forest and environmental conservation at the conference room of the Gazipur Deputy Commissioner’s office on Saturday. “No matter how powerful the illegal occupants are, strict action will be taken against them,” Rizwana said. Old, polluting buses in Dhaka to be scrapped to combat air pollution: Rizwana She said all occupied lands will be freed from illegal occupation within the next three months and instructed deputy commissioners to expedite the process of demarcating forest boundaries. Rizwana warned that strict actions will also be taken to prevent deforestation and pollution caused by industries. She advised the Department of Environment to thoroughly review all aspects before issuing permits and include public opinion during the renewal process. The Adviser called upon all stakeholders including citizens and organisations to actively contribute to environmental protection efforts. Certain areas to be declared ‘no brickfield zones:’ Rizwana The discussion, presided over by Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Nafisa Arefin, was attended by key officials, including the Superintendent of Police, the Commander of the Army Security Unit, the Commander of 63 BGB, the Secretary of Gazipur City Corporation, representatives from the Forest Department and the Department of Environment, local representatives, environmental activists, and government and non-government officials. The participants discussed pressing issues such as local environmental degradation, illegal forest occupation, and industrial pollution.

Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasized the need for energy sovereignty and inclusive energy transition to achieve sustainable development goals. Bangladesh's energy future must focus on clean, affordable, and reliable systems while addressing climate change and energy equity, she said. Speaking at the closing programme of the 2nd Conference of "Bangladesh Energy Prosperity 2050" on Friday at the BIAM Foundation Complex in Dhaka, she remarked, an opportunity for change has come in the energy sector.” New rules will empower police to control noise pollution: Adviser Rizwana “We need to find a way to achieve energy sovereignty. The government will continue to meet the demands of civil society, and there needs to be a dialogue on whether the energy policy should be revised or changed,” she added. The Adviser highlighted the need for innovation, capacity building, and regional cooperation to harness renewable energy potential. She said our journey towards energy prosperity in 2050 requires collective efforts from policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and citizens. The conference included discussions on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and innovative financing mechanisms. Participants explored ways to reduce dependency on fossil fuels while ensuring energy access for all. The event brought together policymakers, academics, and industry experts to develop actionable strategies for a sustainable energy future. The closing session concluded with a commitment to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions in line with Bangladesh's national priorities.

Climate change is having a severe impact on agriculture, food security, and livelihoods in Bangladesh, according to a Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Farida Akhter. This is demonstrated by the decreased spawning of Hilsa eggs this year due to irregular rainfall, she added. Akhter was speaking as the guest of honour at the 2nd Climate Justice Rally organised by Aamra (Dhara), a citizen organisation on environment and climate change, at the auditorium of Liberation War Museum in Agargaon in Dhaka on Saturday.   Interim government assumed responsibility, not power: Adviser Farida Akhter Addressing the issue, she mentioned that rivers are becoming obstructed due to encroachment and sedimentation, limiting the movement of fish. Additionally, roads constructed through wetlands, such as haors, are disrupting the ecosystem. She emphasised the need to dismantle such roads, if necessary, to restore the natural flow. Crony capitalism created an undemocratic attitude: Rehman Sobhan Kainan Houghton, Deputy Regional Program Director of Aamra (Dhara), said the new energy policy adopted by the interim government of Bangladesh is certainly promising. Bangladesh must transition to clean energy for a sustainable future. For this, we have to convert to renewable energy instead of fossil fuels. Houghton also expressed his delight at being associated with the Climate Justice Assembly and wished the event success.

Speakers at a workshop have highlighted the importance of coordinated action among stakeholders to address climate change vulnerabilities.  The discussions aimed to identify challenges, develop collaborative strategies, and emphasise  the pivotal role of security sectors in addressing climate change impacts. By bridging research, policy and practice, they emphasised the need for actionable strategies and international cooperation to build resilience in climate-vulnerable nations like Bangladesh.  The workshop, held recently in Dhaka, underscored the critical role of such forums in fostering informed solutions for a secure and sustainable future. The Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS), with the support from the European Union, hosted the workshop on “Climate Change and Security: Addressing Potential Instabilities in Bangladesh.”  Attended by researchers, journalists, university students, NGO officials, and senior representatives from Bangladesh's Environment Ministry, Police, Ansar and Village Defence Forces, Fire Service, Army, Directorate General of Forces Intelligence, and Border Guards, the event gathered a diverse audience to engage with the critical intersections of climate change and security. Economic opportunities for women through south-south cooperation The workshop featured speakers, including Shafqat Munir, Senior Research Fellow at BIPSS, and Dr. Kawser Ahmed, a professor at the University of Manitoba, alongside video presentations by Dr Chad Briggs and Major General (Retd.) Joseph G. Singh.  The workshop started with Shafqat Munir’s presentation, which focused on climate change as a "threat multiplier," highlighting its role in exacerbating vulnerabilities such as resource scarcity, economic instability, and displacement.  He stressed integrating climate policies into security frameworks, leveraging tools like the Climate Security Mechanism to address socio-political risks.  It was followed by a video presentation outlining the military’s transition from traditional roles to humanitarian assistance.  EuroCham launched, seen as new milestone in Bangladesh-EU business relations He emphasised the need for threat-specific strategies and debunked climate disinformation as a barrier to coordinated responses. An interactive discussion highlighted key issues, including emissions regulation, renewable energy, grassroots awareness campaigns, and the National Action Plan’s gaps in integrating security sectors into climate strategies.  Participants from Bangladesh Ansar shared their disaster response efforts in remote areas, calling for localised and sustainable interventions. Dr Kawser Ahmed examined the roles of civil and military sectors in disaster preparedness and resilience-building.  He highlighted early warning systems, green energy transitions, and cross-sector collaboration as critical tools to mitigate climate impacts.  His call for equitable global solutions, such as the 'Loss and Damage Fund,' resonated strongly, emphasising support for vulnerable nations like Bangladesh.  Security enhanced for Bangladesh missions in India A video presentation by Major General (Retd.) Joseph G Singh expanded on the military’s role in disaster response operations, stressing the need for balanced military engagement and greater coordination with civilian and NGO entities. The event concluded with a question-and-answer session that emphasised  the need for data-driven policymaking, improved coordination between security sectors, and sustainable solutions modelled on initiatives like NATO’s net-zero goals.  Participants stressed the urgency of creating common platforms for collaboration to streamline disaster responses and reduce bureaucratic delays.