Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked the sixth on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 165 at 9am this morning (November 7, 2024). Today’s air was classified as 'unhealthy’ and it continued for the past few days posing a health threat, according to the AQI index. 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. India’s Delhi, Pakistan’s Lahore and Vietnam’s Hanoi occupied the first, second and third spots in the list, with AQI scores of 822, 441 and 175 respectively. Read: Dhaka’s air quality ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ this morning 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. 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.

Supermarket customers have expressed support for the recent ban on polythene bags, but raised concerns about the higher cost of alternative shopping bags, which they say has increased their expenses. They said the supermarkets should offer cheaper eco-friendly shopping bags or freebie shopping bags for small items.   Supermarket staff also said most of their clients appreciate the move to put an end to the use of polythene bags, but a small number of them show a negative attitude to paying for shopping bags. The no-more-polythene-bag policy is being enforced in super shops from October 1 as part of the government move to stop the use of polythene bags in the country in phases. Visiting Swapno outlet in Shewrapara on Wednesday, it was seen they were offering customers different types of eco-friendly shopping bags at various prices. Shahina Sultana, a customer of the outlet on Wednesday said, “We are appreciating the move to ban polythene bags in supermarkets but the prices of non-polythene bags are high to some extent, which will raise our costs.” Polythene bags banned in superstores from Oct 1: Environment Adviser The supermarkets should also offer freebie shopping bags for small items or cheaper shopping bags, otherwise they would go to grocery shops, said Shahina, who is an employee of non-government organisation RTM International. Another client of the outlet, Pijush Chandra Shil, who is also a private university student, said banning the polythene bags is a right decision. “We’re welcoming it for the sake of protecting the environment,” he said. Manager of the Swapno outlet Shawon Islam said they are offering the shopping bags at various prices from Tk 6 to Tk 16. Though most of the customers purchase the eco-friendly bags with smiling faces, some others show that they are not willing to pay money for shopping bags. “But we’re facing no major problem after implementation of the no-polythene bag policy in their outlet. Now we need to convince a small portion of clients to pay for shopping bags,” he said. Shawon however said they offer freebie paper bags for some items including rice, fish and pulse.  Shadat Rasel, a customer of Agora outlet in Shewrapara, said the polythene bags should have been banned 20-25 years ago as it harms the environment. Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana urges for using alternatives to polythene shopping bags “It’s a good initiative. We’re ready to pay for shopping bags. We need to clean non-disposable polythene and plastics to protect the environment. Besides, these items are not hygienic,” said Rasel, a private service-holder.   Manager of Agora outlet Delwar Hossain Jibon said it will take time for the customers to become accustomed to paying for shopping bags. “When the ban on the use of polythene bags is enforced everywhere, a positive mindset would be developed among the people to pay for eco-friendly shopping bags,” he said. On September 9, Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said the use of polythene and polypropylene shopping bags would be banned across all superstores in Bangladesh starting October 1. With a view to stop the use of polythene bags completely in the country, the Environment Adviser on Tuesday last said the government will strictly enforce the ban on production, storage, transportation, marketing and use of polythene. A nationwide anti-polythene drive will start in all kitchen markets on November 1 next, she said. Microplastic in Human Blood: Health Risks and Dangers

Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, holds profound significance in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command. Muslims worldwide honor this event by performing Qurbani, the ritual sacrifice of an animal such as a goat, sheep, cow, or camel. This act is a manifestation of devotion, obedience, and charity. However, with the joy and blessings of Eid-ul-Adha comes the responsibility of maintaining cleanliness, especially after the Qurbani. Proper hygiene is vital to prevent disease spread and to respect the environment and community. Preparations Before Qurbani Choose the Right Location Selecting an appropriate location for the sacrifice is the first step in ensuring cleanliness. Ideally, this should be a clean, designated area that is easy to sanitize post-Qurbani. If you are performing the sacrifice at home, choose an open, ventilated space like a backyard or garden. Avoid places where food is prepared or consumed to prevent contamination. Gather Necessary Supplies Before performing Qurbani, gather all the necessary supplies to facilitate an efficient and hygienic process. These include: - Cleaning supplies: Disinfectants, antiseptic solutions, garbage bags, and cleaning tools. - Protective gear: Gloves, aprons, and masks to maintain personal hygiene. - Containers: Clean containers for storing meat and other parts of the animal. - Tools: Ensure all cutting tools are clean and sanitized before use. Read more: What is ‘Zero Waste’ and why is it important? Inform Neighbors It is courteous to inform your neighbors about your Qurbani plans, especially if you live in a close-knit community. This allows them to make necessary arrangements and ensures cooperation in maintaining cleanliness. Encourage your neighbors to follow similar cleanliness practices to keep the entire community tidy. During Qurbani Maintain Hygiene Maintaining hygiene during the Qurbani process is crucial. Use clean and sanitized tools for the sacrifice to prevent contamination. All individuals involved should wash their hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water to maintain personal hygiene. Additionally, wearing protective gear such as gloves and aprons is important to prevent direct contact with blood and other fluids, further ensuring a safe and sanitary process. Proper Handling of Waste Proper handling of waste generated during Qurbani is essential to prevent contamination and maintain cleanliness. Here’s how you can manage waste effectively: - Separate the edible parts from the waste immediately after the sacrifice. - Use designated bins for different types of waste. Organic waste, such as blood and internal organs, should be disposed of in specific bins and covered properly. - Avoid throwing waste in open areas or public spaces to prevent attracting pests and causing a nuisance to others. Read more: Plastic Pollution: Harmful effects on human health and environment Immediate Post-Qurbani Clean-up Waste Disposal After Qurbani, the immediate disposal of waste is crucial. Pack the waste securely in heavy-duty garbage bags; double-bagging is recommended to prevent leaks and spills. Dispose of the waste at designated locations or waste collection points rather than leaving the garbage bags outside your home or in public areas. This practice helps maintain cleanliness and prevents the spread of disease. Disinfect the Area Once the waste has been disposed of, the area where the Qurbani was performed needs to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Use disinfectants to clean the site, paying special attention to areas with blood and other residues. Wash the area with plenty of water to ensure no traces of blood or waste remain. Additionally, disinfect all tools and equipment used during the Qurbani to prevent any bacterial or viral contamination, ensuring a hygienic environment. Personal Hygiene After completing the clean-up, it is important to ensure personal hygiene. Thoroughly wash your hands and any exposed skin with soap and water to remove any contaminants. Clean and disinfect any protective gear worn during the process, such as gloves and aprons, to prevent the spread of bacteria. If possible, take a shower to ensure complete cleanliness and to feel refreshed after the task. These steps are essential for maintaining personal health and hygiene.

Zero waste is not just a trend; it is a movement towards sustainability and environmental responsibility. March 30 marks International Zero Waste Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about waste management and sustainable living practices. This concept extends beyond individual actions to encompass a holistic approach involving communities, businesses, and policymakers. What is Zero Waste and Zero Waste Movement? Zero waste is a philosophy aiming to eliminate trash. It is a lifestyle that focuses on minimising waste generation and resource depletion. It advocates redesigning resource life cycles so that all products are reused or recycled, leaving no waste to be sent to landfills or incinerators.  In 2008, the term "Zero Waste" primarily referred to industrial and municipal waste management methods. However, Bea Johnson, a French American adopted this concept for her household. By 2009, she began documenting her journey on the Zero Waste Home blog, gaining recognition when featured in The New York Times in 2010. Read more: Eight ways to overcome waste pollution crisis The zero waste movement promotes sustainable practices, such as reducing consumption, reusing items, recycling materials, composting organic waste, and refusing single-use products. By embracing these principles, individuals, communities, and businesses can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future, where resources are conserved, pollution is reduced, and ecosystems are protected.

The United States has said it looks forward to working with Bangladesh to "enhance economic investment" over the next 50 years and beyond. The visiting US delegation met Salman F Rahman, Private Industry and Investment Adviser to PM Sheikh Hasina, to hear how government and private companies are collaborating. Eileen Laubacher, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia, US National Security Council (NSC); Michael Schiffer, USAID Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia; and Afreen Akhter, US Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, are on a three-day visit to Bangladesh. For over 50 years, the US has partnered with the government and the people of Bangladesh, providing over $8 billion to tackle issues like public health, education, energy, environment, food security, natural disasters, and more. Read: Want to create a new chapter in our relations: Foreign Minister says after meeting with US delegation The United States is one of the largest investors in Bangladesh and its largest single country export market, said the US Embassy in Dhaka. "Our leadership from Washington D.C. joined local economic experts to discuss a range of issues impacting the bilateral trade relationship," said the US Embassy. The United States "stands ready" to help Bangladesh create a business climate that attracts more investment from the US. The delegation discussed ways to improve the business environment, making investment in Bangladesh more attractive to American companies. Read: Bangladesh-US relations will be stronger based on environment, climate actions: Environment Minister The three officials, according to the US side, are visiting Bangladesh to discuss with the government of Bangladesh ways to "strengthen diplomatic ties, address challenges, and promote a shared vision for the advancement of mutual interests in the Indo-Pacific region." They also met Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, civil society representatives, labour leaders, youth activists and those engaged in developing a free and uncensored media. "We discussed with the Foreign Minister how our two countries can work on mutual interests, including economic development, security, refugees, climate, labor, and trade," said the US Embassy in a separate message after the meeting. Bangladesh is an important partner in the Indo-Pacific region, it said. Read more: US Deputy Assistant Secretary meets Bangladeshi civil society members including Zillur and Adilur

Bangladesh's Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury on Saturday (February 24, 2024) said that the government would introduce incentive packages to promote the production of environmentally-friendly block bricks. Saber came up with the announcement during a media interaction following a meeting with officials from the Forest Department and the Department of Environment at Feni Circuit House on Saturday. Brick kiln owners can be benefited from these incentives as part of the government's efforts to transition away from air-polluting and land-damaging brick kilns, he said, emphasising the need for the designation of specific areas for waste recycling by municipalities. The minister urged officials to take proactive measures to combat environmental pollution, including the prohibition of polythene use. Read more: Govt working to promote climate-resilient crops: Saber Hossain He stressed prompt actions in cases where environmental clearance is lacking and urged against delays in issuing such clearances. Moreover, Minister Saber underscored the need for the daily clearance of medical and municipal waste and instructed divisional forest officials to reclaim encroached forest land and initiate afforestation projects in urban and coastal regions. Chaired by Feni District Magistrate Shahina Akter, various officials including BRTA Chairman Nur Mohammad, Additional Superintendent of Police Din Mohammad, Additional District Magistrate Abishek Das, Divisional Forest Officer Ruhul Amin, and Feni Department of Environment Deputy Director Showkat Ara Kali, among others were present on the occasion. Following the meeting, Feni Awami League General Secretary and local MP Nizam Uddin Hazari and Feni sadar municipality Mayor Nazrul Islam Swapon Miaji exchanged greetings with the environment minister with floral tributes. Read more: Is There Any Alternative to Brick Kilns?

For centuries, brick kilns, characterised by fiery chimneys and billowing smoke, have played a key role in the construction industry. Despite their contribution in providing essential building materials, their operations entail harmful impacts on human health, biodiversity and environment.  What is a Brick Kiln? A brick kiln is a specialised facility used in the production of bricks, fundamental building blocks for construction. These kilns play a vital role in shaping the urban landscape. The process involves heating clay or other materials in furnaces to create bricks and contributes to the growth of infrastructure. However, the traditional methods employed in brick kilns can have environmental and health consequences, making it imperative to explore sustainable alternatives and technologies. Impacts of Brick Kiln on Health Particulate Matter Emissions Brick kilns pose a major health risk due to the emission of particulate matter, including pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Inhaling these pollutants can irritate the lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure may contribute to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  Read more: 9 illegal brick kilns shut down, fined Tk 47 lakh in Sirajganj Respiratory Issues  Prolonged exposure to emissions from brick kilns can lead to a range of respiratory problems. From workers within the kilns to residents in nearby communities, the inhalation of pollutants can result in asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments. Occupational Health Risks Workers directly involved in brick kiln operations face occupational health risks due to exposure to high temperatures, dust, and pollutants. Adequate safety measures and protective equipment are crucial to mitigating these risks. Cardiovascular Problems  Brick kiln fumes, laden with pollutants, can obstruct arteries, elevate blood pressure, and disturb heart rhythms. These adverse effects heighten the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, underlining the severe cardiovascular risks associated with exposure.  Read more: 4 brick kilns shut down for polluting air in South Keraniganj Skin Problems  Dust and irritants emanating from brick kilns inflict skin torment on workers, causing rashes, itching, and burns. The daily grind leaves exposed skin raw, rendering workers vulnerable and uncomfortable in their work environment.  Cancer  Inhaling brick kiln fumes conceal invisible dangers, harbouring carcinogens that escalate cancer risks over time. Exposed workers face heightened threats of lung, skin, and other cancers, emphasising the risks associated with prolonged exposure.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Affairs Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury on Sunday said the government wants to hold anyone involved in producing single-use plastics accountable. The minister also said his ministry is taking initiative to make rules in this regard. Saber Hossain said this in reply to a call attention notice of ruling Awami League MP elected from Dhaka-10 Ferdous Ahmed in Parliament. Islami Bank holds employee conference in Chattogram The minister said 30,000 metric tons of solid waste is being produced every day throughout Bangladesh. Of this total, around 7000 metric tons are being produced in the Dhaka city and 10 percent of this waste is single used plastic. 5-yr-old boy burned to death in Savar “We intend to phase out production and distribution of single used plastic.  We are taking action in this regard.” The minister also proposed to ban single-use plastics. “If it is possible, it will be an example for the country.” Shab-e-Barat on February 25 Earlier while speaking on his notice, Ferdous Ahmed demanded a ban on single-use plastic products. “If usage of one time plastic products cannot be stopped, it will be a challenge to protect the capital's environment,” he also said.

The last 12 months were the hottest Earth has ever recorded, according to a new report by Climate Central, a nonprofit science research group. The peer-reviewed report says burning gasoline, coal, natural gas and other fossil fuels that release planet-warming gases like carbon dioxide, and other human activities, caused the unnatural warming from November 2022 to October 2023. Over the course of the year, 7.3 billion people, or 90% of humanity, endured at least 10 days of high temperatures that were made at least three times more likely because of climate change. Western and Arab officials are gathering in Paris to find ways to provide aid to civilians in Gaza "People know that things are weird, but they don't they don't necessarily know why it's weird. They don't connect back to the fact that we're still burning coal, oil and natural gas," said Andrew Pershing, a climate scientist at Climate Central. "I think the thing that really came screaming out of the data this year was nobody is safe. Everybody was experiencing unusual climate-driven heat at some point during the year," said Pershing. The average global temperature was 1.3 degrees Celsius (2.3 degrees Fahrenheit) higher than the pre-industrial climate, which scientists say is close to the limit countries agreed not to go over in the Paris Agreement — a 1.5 C (2.7 F) rise. The impacts were apparent as one in four humans, or 1.9 billion people, suffered from dangerous heat waves. At this point, said Jason Smerdon, a climate scientist at Columbia University, no one should be caught off guard. "It's like being on an escalator and being surprised that you're going up," he said. "We know that things are getting warmer, this has been predicted for decades." Israeli military tour of northern Gaza reveals ravaged buildings, toppled trees, former weapons lab Here's how a few regions were affected by the extreme heat: 1. Extreme heat fueled destructive rainfall because a warmer atmosphere holds more water vapor, which lets storms release more precipitation. Storm Daniel became Africa's deadliest storm with an estimated death toll that ranges between 4,000 and 11,000, according to officials and aid agencies. Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey also saw damages and fatalities from Storm Daniel. 2. In India, 1.2 billion people, or 86% of the population, experienced at least 30 days of elevated temperatures, made at least three times more likely by climate change. 3. Drought in Brazil's Amazon region caused rivers to dry to historic lows, cutting people off from food and fresh water. 4. At least 383 people died in U.S. extreme weather events, with 93 deaths related to the Maui wildfire event, the deadliest U.S. fire of the century. 5. One of every 200 people in Canada evacuated their home due to wildfires, which burn longer and more intensely after long periods of heat dry out the land. Canadian fires sent smoke billowing across much of North America. 6. On average, Jamaica experienced high temperatures made four times more likely by climate change during the last 12 months, making it the country where climate change was most powerfully at work. India bars protests that support Palestinians "We need to adapt, mitigate and be better prepared for the residual damages because impacts are highly uneven from place to place," said Kristie Ebi, a professor at the Center for Health and the Global Environment at the University of Washington, citing changes in precipitation, sea level rise, droughts, and wildfires. The heat of the last year, intense as it was, is tempered because the oceans have been absorbing the majority of the excess heat related to climate change, but they are reaching their limit, said Kim Cobb, a climate scientist at Brown University. "Oceans are really the thermostat of our planet ... they are tied to our economy, food sources, and coastal infrastructure."

Schools in New Delhi were forced to close Monday after heavy monsoon rains battered the Indian capital, with landslides and flash floods killing at least 15 people over the last three days. Farther north, the overflowing Beas River swept vehicles downstream as it flooded neighborhoods. In Japan, torrential rain pounded the southwest, causing floods and mudslides that left two people dead and at least six others missing Monday. Local TV showed damaged houses in Fukuoka prefecture and muddy water from the swollen Yamakuni River appearing to threaten a bridge in the town of Yabakei. New Delhi schools close after monsoon floods kill at least 15, Pakistan on alert for more flooding In Ulster County, in New York’s Hudson Valley and in Vermont, some said the flooding is the worst they’ve seen since Hurricane Irene’s devastation in 2011. Although destructive flooding in India, Japan, China, Turkey and the United States might seem like distant events, atmospheric scientists say they have this in common: Storms are forming in a warmer atmosphere, making extreme rainfall a more frequent reality now. The additional warming that scientists predict is coming will only make it worse. Heavy rains cause flooding and mudslides in southwest Japan, leaving 2 dead and at least 6 missing That’s because a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, which results in storms dumping more precipitation that can have deadly outcomes. Pollutants, especially carbon dioxide and methane, are heating up the atmosphere. Instead of allowing heat to radiate away from Earth into space, they hold onto it. While climate change is not the cause of storms unleashing the rainfall, these storms are forming in an atmosphere that is becoming warmer and wetter. “Sixty-eight degrees Fahrenheit can hold twice as much water as 50 degrees Fahrenheit,” said Rodney Wynn, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay. “Warm air expands and cool air contracts. You can think of it as a balloon - when it’s heated the volume is going to get larger, so therefore it can hold more moisture.” 'Life threatening' flooding overwhelms New York roadways, killing 1 person For every 1 degree Celsius, which equals 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit, the atmosphere warms, it holds approximately 7% more moisture. According to NASA, the average global temperature has increased by at least 1.1 degrees Celsius (1.9 degrees Fahrenheit) since 1880. “When a thunderstorm develops, water vapor gets condensed into rain droplets and falls back down to the surface. So as these storms form in warmer environments that have more moisture in them, the rainfall increases,” explained Brian Soden, professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Miami. Along Turkey’s mountainous and scenic Black Sea coast, heavy rains swelled rivers and damaged cities with flooding and landslides. At least 15 people were killed by flooding in another mountainous region, in southwestern China. 15 killed by floods in southwestern China as seasonal torrents hit mountain areas “As the climate gets warmer we expect intense rain events to become more common, it’s a very robust prediction of climate models,” Soden added. “It’s not surprising to see these events happening, it’s what models have been predicting ever since day one.” Gavin Schmidt, climatologist and director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, said the regions being hit hardest by climate change are not the ones who emit the largest amount of planet-warming pollutants. Better flood management: China offers assistance for dredging rivers in Bangladesh “The bulk of the emissions have come from the industrial Western nations and the bulk of the impacts are happening in places that don’t have good infrastructure, that are less prepared for weather extremes and have no real ways to manage this,” said Schmidt.