Bangladesh has stressed the urgent need for a coordinated regional approach to effectively combat plastic pollution, highlighting the importance of collective action to address the growing environmental threat. “South Asia, home to some of the world’s most important river systems, is facing a growing plastic pollution crisis. Plastics cross borders, accumulate in our shared waters, and threaten ecosystems and livelihoods alike. This calls for a coordinated regional strategy built on cooperation, innovation, and sustainable financing,” said Environment Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed. Rizwana calls for positive mindset in environmental actions The secretary made the call while speaking at a high-level panel discussion on “Policy and Regulatory Challenges of Managing Plastic Waste” in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Monday. Farhina led a three-member Bangladeshi delegation at the discussion. She outlined three core reasons behind the region’s ongoing struggle to manage plastic waste: inadequate waste management practices including open dumping and burning; weak enforcement of existing policies; and limited regional cooperation on data sharing and joint monitoring, the release added. Farhina called for the formulation of a South Asian Regional Multisectoral Plastic Action Plan, featuring harmonised policies for a circular economy, unified regulatory standards to reduce plastic generation, and alignment with the Global Plastics Treaty.   She proposed strengthening the recycling value chain through collaborative waste collection, sorting, and investment in innovative recycling technologies. Bangladesh also urged South Asian nations to phase out hazardous plastics and additives while promoting safer, recyclable alternatives.  A regional plastic waste tracking system and targeted clean-up programs for legacy plastic hotspots were proposed to improve governance and accountability. She highlighted the need to enhance law enforcement to curb illegal plastic dumping and trans-boundary leakage. This is what forecasters mean when they talk about a 100-year flood The secretary emphasised the importance of South Asia-specific research, public-private partnerships for sustainable packaging, and digital tools like AI-driven waste monitoring. “Solutions imported from elsewhere may not work here. We must invest in innovation tailored to our region.” The Plastic-Free Rivers and Seas Roundtable brought together high-level government officials, policy experts, and environmental leaders from across South Asia to forge a united path toward tackling plastic pollution in trans-boundary water systems. Study warns 4°C warming could cut global GDP by 40% by 2100

Authorities and environmentalists in Zambia are concerned about the long-term effects of an acid spill at a Chinese-owned mine that polluted a major river, potentially impacting millions of people after pollution signs were detected over 100 kilometers (60 miles) downstream. The incident occurred on February 18, when a tailings dam at a northern copper mine, which stores acidic waste, collapsed, according to investigators from the Engineering Institution of Zambia. Dhaka air ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ Sunday morning This collapse released around 50 million liters of toxic waste, containing concentrated acid, dissolved solids, and heavy metals, into a stream connected to the Kafue River, Zambia's main waterway, the institution reported. “It’s a catastrophic environmental disaster,” said Chilekwa Mumba, an environmental activist from Zambia's Copperbelt Province. China is a key player in Zambia's copper mining industry, with Zambia being one of the world’s top 10 copper producers, a critical material in smartphones and other technology. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema called for expert assistance, acknowledging that the leak poses a crisis threatening people and wildlife along the Kafue River, which stretches over 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) through central Zambia. The full extent of the environmental damage is still under investigation. A river died overnight An Associated Press journalist visited the Kafue River, where dead fish were seen washing ashore about 100 kilometers (60 miles) downstream from the mine operated by Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, majority-owned by the state-run China Nonferrous Metals Industry Group. The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation confirmed the "devastating consequences," which included the destruction of crops along the river's banks. Authorities also worry that groundwater could become contaminated as the mining waste seeps into the soil or spreads to other areas. “Before February 18, this river was thriving,” said Sean Cornelius, a local resident, describing how fish died and birdlife vanished almost immediately. “Now it’s completely lifeless, like a totally dead river. It’s unbelievable. It died overnight.” How Green Industries Can Reduce River Water Pollution in Dhaka City Around 60% of Zambia’s 20 million people live in the Kafue River basin and rely on it for fishing, agriculture irrigation, and industrial water. The river provides drinking water to around five million people, including in the capital, Lusaka. The acid spill caused a complete shutdown of the water supply to Kitwe, a city of around 700,000 people. Efforts to reverse the damage In response, the Zambian government has mobilized the air force to drop hundreds of tons of lime into the river to neutralize the acid. Speedboats are also used to apply lime along the river. Government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa called the situation “extremely serious,” adding that Sino-Metals Leach Zambia would be responsible for the cleanup costs. Zhang Peiwen, chairman of Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, met with government officials this week and apologized for the spill, according to a transcript released by his company. “This disaster has raised a major alarm for Sino-Metals Leach and the mining industry,” he stated. “We are committed to restoring the affected environment as quickly as possible.” Discontent with Chinese presence The environmental impact of China’s vast mining operations in mineral-rich parts of Africa, including Zambia’s neighboring countries Congo and Zimbabwe, has faced significant criticism, even as the minerals are vital to the economies of these nations. Chinese-owned copper mines have been accused of disregarding safety, labor, and other regulations in Zambia while attempting to control the country’s copper supply. This has led to discontent with their presence. Zambia also has over $4 billion in debt to China, and the country had to restructure some of its loans after defaulting in 2020. A smaller acid leak from another Chinese-owned mine in Zambia’s Copperbelt region was discovered shortly after the Sino-Metals incident, with authorities accusing the smaller mine of trying to conceal it. Local police reported the death of a mine worker who fell into the acid, and alleged that the mine continued operating despite an order from authorities to cease operations. Two Chinese mine managers have been arrested. Both mines have now halted operations following orders from Zambian authorities, though many locals remain angry. Powerful March storm sparks wildfires, causes fatalities, raises Tornado concerns “This highlights the negligence some investors have toward environmental protection,” said Mweene Himwinga, an environmental engineer who attended the meeting with Zhang, government officials, and others. “They seem to have no concern or regard at all. This is worrying because, at the end of the day, it’s the only land we have as Zambians.”

Dhaka has ranked the 15th on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 128 at 8:27 am on Sunday morning. The air was classified as “unhealthy for sensitive groups”, referring to a health risk to residents, according to the AQI index. Dhaka’s air quality ‘unhealthy’ this morning Thailand’s Chiang Mai, Qatar’s Doha and Azerbaijan’s Baku occupied the first, second, and third spots on the list, respectively with AQI scores of 171, 162 and 160, respectively. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five 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 in winter and improves during the monsoon. Dhaka’s air quality ‘unhealthy’ this morning As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

Unauthorised brick kilns are rapidly expanding in remote areas of Khulna division, posing a serious threat to both the environment and public health. Although the Department of Environment (DoE) permits brick kilns only on the condition that they do not burn wood, the owners of such kilns appear to disregard these restrictions. Out of the 1,002 brick kilns across the division’s 10 districts, 790 are operating without the mandatory approval from the DoE. On 24 February, the High Court ordered the removal of all illegal brick kilns across the country. As per the directive, kiln owners were required to submit valid documents to the respective Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) office by 1 March. However, the majority failed to comply, demonstrating blatant disregard for the law. Defying warnings, many brick kilns in various upazilas of Khulna continue to burn wood instead of coal, leading to severe air pollution. Under existing laws, brick kilns cannot be established near residential, protected, or commercial areas, nor in proximity to municipal towns, educational institutions, or agricultural land. In Rupsha Upazila, the EBM Bricks kiln, located just 400 metres from Alipur Degree College, remains operational despite receiving a warning letter from the DoE. Although an operation was conducted, the kiln owner has yet to comply. Sundarbans at stake as erosion shrinks forest land On 10 February, a mobile court, in collaboration with the DoE, fined the owners of nine illegal kilns in Rupsha Upazila a total of Tk 22 lakh. Following the High Court’s directive, on 3 March, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Aprotith Kumar Chakraborty ordered the owners of 22 brick kilns in the upazila to cease operations immediately. In Dumuria Upazila, just beyond Khornia Bazar, a large brick kiln called M/s Nurjahan Bricks is allegedly using a mixture of low-grade coal and wood powder in traditional brick-burning methods. Former land minister Narayan Chandra Chanda was previously the president of the Khulna Brick Kiln Owners Association. However, his kiln has remained closed since 5 August, following the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in a mass uprising. There had been allegations of inaction by the authorities against his brick kiln. In Atalia Union of Dumuria, a brick kiln called Setu Bricks and Industries was established near the Hari River by former upazila chairman Ejaz Ahmed. His close ties with local ministers had reportedly deterred any action against his operations. In Koyra Upazila, ABM Brick Kiln is located within 500 metres of a health complex and an educational institution. Other upazilas, such as Paikgachha, also host illegal brick kilns on agricultural land, including ARB Bricks, Jamuna Bricks, and SKB Bricks. Environmental experts warn that pollution caused by brick kilns poses a significant threat to human health. The use of wood as fuel violates the kiln establishment law, while the burning of low-quality coal releases harmful particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulphur oxides, and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, exacerbating environmental degradation and affecting agriculture. Dengue catastrophe looms as Dhaka battles worst mosquito menace Dr Abdullah Harun Chowdhury, a professor at Khulna University’s Environmental Science Department, said the increase in carbon emissions from these kilns is reducing oxygen levels in the air, making it hazardous to human health. According to the Department of Environment’s data, Khulna Division is home to 1,200 brick kilns, 790 of which lack DoE approval. The highest number of illegal kilns is found in Kushtia district, where 184 kilns operate, 163 of them unapproved. In Khulna district alone, there are 152 kilns, the majority of which lack the necessary permits. Md Sadikul Islam, acting director of the DoE, said the government is taking a stringent stance against illegal brick kilns. He stated that legal action will be taken against anyone found operating unapproved kilns. Experts suggest that merely shutting down these kilns will not resolve the problem. They advocate for the introduction of new brick-making methods and the adoption of concrete block production to reduce environmental impact. In January, a DoE-led operation resulted in the partial demolition of 19 kilns, with 12 more being completely dismantled. Several others were shut down and fined. On the frontline of disaster-preparedness, Koyra must be given the tools to fight Advocate Babul Howlader, a national council member of the Bangladesh Environmental Movement (BAPA), said, “We have been protesting against illegal brick kilns for years, but our efforts have often been in vain. Recently, the government has taken a stricter approach, which is commendable. However, enforcement at the field level remains lax. Authorities must take stronger action and ensure these measures are effectively implemented.”

A bipartisan group of lawmakers has called on the Trump administration to abandon its plan to kill over 450,000 invasive barred owls in West Coast forests, arguing that it would be excessively costly. The lawmakers, numbering 19 and including Republican Rep. Troy Nehls from Texas and Democrat Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove from California, said the plan would cost $3,000 per owl. Tk 20 crore fines imposed in nationwide anti-pollution drives They questioned whether the killings would benefit the native northern spotted owl populations, which have been controversial due to logging restrictions in their habitats since the 1990s, as well as the closely related California spotted owl. Barred owls, native to eastern North America, began appearing in the Pacific Northwest in the 1970s, quickly displacing the smaller spotted owls that require larger territories to breed. Federal officials estimate that 100,000 barred owls now inhabit the region, compared to just 7,100 spotted owls. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's plan, approved last year, would involve trained shooters targeting barred owls over 30 years across 23,000 square miles (60,000 square kilometers) in California, Oregon, and Washington. The plan did not provide a cost estimate, but the lawmakers suggested it could exceed $1.3 billion, based on costs from a grant awarded to the Hoopa Valley Native American Tribe to kill up to 1,500 barred owls. In a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the lawmakers described the plan as an inefficient and inappropriate use of taxpayer funds, accusing the federal government of attempting to control environmental outcomes at great expense. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service did not immediately respond to questions about the cost estimate and the owl removal program. The plan calls for the removal of more than 2,400 barred owls this year, with the number increasing to over 15,500 annually by 2027. Since 2009, researchers have been experimenting with shooting barred owls, and the results suggest that this strategy could halt the decline of spotted owls. About 4,500 barred owls have been killed on the West Coast in this research effort. The practice of removing one bird species to protect others has sparked debate among wildlife advocates, echoing past government actions, such as killing sea lions and cormorants to save salmon or removing cowbirds to protect warblers. The barred owl removals would be one of the largest efforts involving birds of prey. Nylon fence erected in 40 kms of Sundarbans to tackle human-wildlife conflict Researchers believe the barred owls spread into the Pacific Northwest through the Great Plains or Canada’s boreal forests, both of which have become more suitable for them due to climate change. Their presence has undermined decades of restoration efforts aimed at protecting spotted owls, which included logging restrictions during President Bill Clinton's administration that temporarily slowed the spotted owl's decline.

Nearly Tk 20 crore fines were imposed and 462 brick kilns were shut down in the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change’s nationwide anti-pollution drives. The nationwide initiative was aimed at tackling pollution through mobile court drives, which were carried out by the Department of Environment from January 2 to March 9, according to a press release on Monday. 14 illegal brick kilns demolished in Savar, Ashulia, and Dhamrai A total of 598 mobile court operations were conducted during this period, it said. The drives focused on addressing a range of pollution-related issues, including excessive black smoke from vehicles, illegal polluting brick kilns, steel mills, noise pollution, hazardous waste disposal, lead/battery recycling factories, wetland encroachment, tire pyrolysis plants, charcoal factories, and air pollution caused by construction materials left in open spaces. Throughout these operations, 1,363 cases were filed, resulting in fines amounting to Tk 19.79 crore. As part of the crackdown on illegal brick kilns, 305 brick kiln chimneys were demolished, leading to the complete shutdown of these operations. Orders were issued for the closure of 157 additional brick kilns, while 60 kilns had their raw bricks destroyed. In another significant move, six trucks containing lead/battery smelting equipment were seized from five factories, which were subsequently shut down, the release said. Four mobile court drives were conducted in various areas of Dhaka, including Hatirjheel, Moghbazar, Adabor, Aftabnagar, Badda, and Dhanmondi, under the Air Pollution Control Rules 2022 on Sunday. These drives resulted in 11 cases and fines amounting to Tk 60,000. Business owners were issued warnings, and an immediate removal of construction materials was ordered. In the same vein, a mobile court drive was conducted in Narayanganj against a ready-mix factory under the Solid Waste Management Rules 2021. Three cases were filed, and a fine of Tk 50,000 was collected. HC orders dismantling of illegal brick kilns nationwide, report due by March 17 Moreover, 20 additional mobile court drives took place across several districts, including Panchagarh, Kurigram, Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Jhenaidah, Bhola, Sirajganj, Meherpur, Moulvibazar, Pirojpur, Gaibandha, Shariatpur, Barguna, Thakurgaon, Bogura, and Sherpur. These drives resulted in 19 cases and fines totaling Tk 13.2 lakh. The operations led to the shutdown of 22 brick kilns, including their demolition and the extinguishing of fires, while three more kilns were ordered to close, added the release. DoE said these efforts would continue in the future, as part of the ongoing campaign to combat pollution across the country.

Necessary steps must be taken to construct eco-friendly buildings under government development projects to prevent electricity wastage, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said on Thursday. The buildings should be designed to be environmentally friendly, she said while speaking at a review meeting held at the ministry’s conference room at the Secretariat. Government promoting alternatives to single-use plastics: Rizwana The meeting assessed the implementation progress of ADP projects for the fiscal year 2024-2025 up to January 2025. The adviser also spoke about the importance of developing monthly work plans to ensure the timely execution of development projects. She directed officials to promote the use of alternatives to plastic products. Besides, she reaffirmed that action against river encroachment and dust pollution would continue. Meanwhile, a 144-acre forest area covered with sal trees in Sectors 24 and 25 of the Purbachal New Town project was declared a "Special Biodiversity Area." In addition, the Forest Department launched a nationwide tree protection campaign, removing nails from trees, which started on February 26. This campaign will continue for a month. Govt to boost research into environmental protection: Adviser Rizwana Director General of the Department of Environment Dr Md Kamruzzaman and Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury were present at the time, among others.

Carbon emissions, primarily in the form of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄), contribute to global warming, climate change,  and sea-level rising which in turn increase the frequency and intensity of natural phenomena, and disasters like cyclones, floods, wildfire, drought, heatwave, etc. Reduction of carbon emissions has multifarious environmental, economic, social, and health benefits. Carbon trading is both a benefit and a mechanism for reducing carbon emissions. Here’s how it works and why it can be beneficial.  What is Carbon Trading Carbon trading, also known as carbon emissions trading, is a market-based approach to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It allows countries, companies, or organizations to buy and sell permits that represent the right to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases. By putting a price on carbon emissions, it incentivizes participants to lower their emissions and invest in cleaner technologies. Carbon emissions trading operates under a cap-and-trade system where governments or organizations set a limit (cap) on total emissions. Companies receive or buy carbon credits, which allow them to emit a certain amount of CO₂. If a company emits less than its allowance, it can sell its excess credits to others. If a company exceeds its limit, it must buy more credits or face penalties. Carbon trading is a benefit of reducing emissions because it creates financial incentives for businesses to go green. However, it works best when proper regulations and transparency ensure that actual emission reductions occur. Read more: Plastic Pollution: Harmful effects on human health and environment What Is the Process of Carbon Credit Sale? The process of selling carbon credits involves several steps, from generating the credits to finding buyers and completing the transaction. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown: Carbon Credit Generation A company or project must first reduce or remove greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through activities like reforestation, renewable energy projects, or carbon capture. The emission reduction must be measured, verified, and certified by an independent third party. Verification & Certification The project must be validated by recognized carbon standards such as: Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), Gold Standard, Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Climate Action Reserve (CAR), etc. These standards ensure that each credit represents one metric ton of CO₂ reduced or removed. Registration on a Carbon Registry Verified carbon credits are registered on platforms like: Verra, American Carbon Registry (ACR), Gold Standard Registry, etc. Each credit receives a unique serial number to prevent double counting. Read more: How Can One Person Reduce Environmental Pollution? Finding Buyers There are two main types of carbon markets: Compliance or Regulated Markets are created by government regulations to limit carbon emissions. Companies must buy carbon credits if they exceed their allowed emissions cap. In the Cap-and-Trade system, governments set a maximum emission limit (cap). Companies emitting less than their limit can sell excess credits to others exceeding their cap. Some countries impose a carbon tax, but companies can reduce their tax burden by purchasing credits. Major Compliance Markets include the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), California Cap-and-Trade Program, China’s National ETS, Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), etc. In the Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCM) markets, companies and individuals buy carbon credits voluntarily to offset their emissions. These credits come from projects that remove or reduce CO₂ emissions, such as reforestation, renewable energy, and carbon capture. Read more: Effects of Air Pollution on Unborn Children, Neonates, Infants

Dhaka has topped the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 251 at 8:21 am on Tuesday morning. The air quality was classified as “very unhealthy” according to the AQI Index. Iraq’s Baghdad, Kyrgyzstan’s Bishkek and Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kinshasa occupied the second, third and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 248, 222 and 220, respectively. Dhaka's air continues to be world's most polluted this morning When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka's air ‘very unhealthy’ on Monday morning Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections. Dhaka's air quality 2nd worst in the world this morning

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said that people's survival ultimately depends on their access to clean air, water, and soil—not on material possessions such as polished houses or luxurious cars.Despite the country's heavily polluted air quality and rivers, it is never too late to begin the restoration process., she stressed. Rizwana, US Charge d’Affaires discuss critical environmental challenges “Change starts with each of us. Instead of asking why banned polythene bags are still on the market, ask yourself why you continue to use them. Single-use plastics take hundreds of years to decompose and ultimately re-enter our food chain as harmful microplastics,” she said on Thursday.The Environment Adviser was delivering the keynote address at the inaugural ceremony of the first Bangladesh qualifier for the Stetson International Environmental Moot Court Competition (Stetson IEMCC) 2024-2025 on Thursday evening.The event, hosted by the Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), saw enthusiastic participation from students representing 34 universities across the country.Rizwana urged the participants to reconsider everyday habits, such as unnecessary honking, which contributes to noise pollution. “Even in a bustling city like Dhaka, it is possible to drive without honking if we are mindful.”Reflecting on the pressing environmental challenges of today, she called upon the younger generation not to repeat the mistakes of their predecessors. “Embrace sustainable practices, respect nature, and redesign development models to prioritise environmental balance.”Expressing her satisfaction with the event’s inclusivity, Rizwana said, “I am pleased to see gender balance among participants, with an equal number of men and women. I hope this moot court competition inspires you to explore more opportunities like this and prepare for a world that demands meaningful action to tackle environmental issues.”She also highlighted the importance of environmental advocacy, stating, “Environmental advocates can practice law, engage with communities, and serve people in impactful ways. Events like this not only enhance your legal acumen but also instil a sense of responsibility towards the planet.”The Stetson International Environmental Moot Court Competition, renowned for promoting environmental law education globally, aims to equip aspiring lawyers with the tools to address critical environmental issues through advocacy and legal reasoning. Adviser Rizwana urges unified global action to tackle climate changeThe inaugural ceremony concluded with a call to action for young minds to champion sustainability and contribute to a greener, more resilient future.