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.

As global climate negotiators are in action at COP29, a new study sheds light on the alarming consequences of climate change on Bangladesh's coastal ecosystems, with a sharp focus on the fragile Manpura Island. Conducted by Joy Bhowmik, Haseeb Md Irfanullah, Samiya Ahmed Selim and Mohammad Budrudzaman, the research reveals the socio-economic and non-economic losses experienced by communities on the island due to slow-onset climate phenomena. The findings call for urgent, evidence-based policymaking to mitigate these damages and foster resilience among affected populations. Ecosystem Erosion and Its Toll The study, conducted between 2020 and 2023 and published under a Creative Commons licence, reveals the severe impacts of salinity intrusion and sea-level rise on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Unlike human systems, ecosystems lack the adaptive capacity to cope with such changes, resulting in devastating consequences for communities reliant on them. Economic assessments show that households on Manpura Island incur annual losses of $28 to $419 (approximately Tk 3,000 to Tk 46,000), with rice, fish, livestock, and crops among the most affected resources. These losses were further aggravated by Cyclone Yaas, which inflicted additional damage on already vulnerable livelihoods. The study, however, goes beyond monetary metrics to highlight the intangible yet profound non-economic losses (NELD) suffered by the islanders. Read: Nations unite at UN talks to witness climate change impacts These include deteriorating mental health, increased insecurity, social fragmentation, and the depletion of soil fertility, all of which are deeply intertwined with the islanders’ cultural identity and emotional well-being. Call for Adaptive Measures The researchers emphasise the importance of strengthening human capital as a cornerstone of ecosystem-based adaptation. They advocate for investment in education, skills training, and livelihood diversification to mitigate future losses and enhance resilience. One of the study’s key recommendations is the development of web-based ICT platforms for documenting losses and damages in real time. Such systems would provide policymakers with actionable data, fostering transparency and accountability in climate interventions. Manpura: A Global Microcosm Manpura Island serves as a stark representation of the challenges faced by countless vulnerable communities across the globe. Its plight underscores the necessity of incorporating non-economic losses into climate negotiations—an area often overlooked in mainstream policies. “The value of ecosystems goes beyond material goods,” the authors note, urging policymakers to adopt a holistic approach that recognises the cultural, emotional, and psychological dimensions of ecosystem services. Erosion of Land and Heritage Over the decades, Manpura has experienced significant ecological losses: Land Loss: The island’s area has reduced from 148 square kilometres in 1973 to just 114 square kilometres by 2010, with significant erosion along its northern and northwestern shores. Soil Erosion: Heavy rainfall, cyclones, storm surges, and rising sea levels have stripped away fertile topsoil, threatening agricultural productivity and livelihoods. Crop Loss: Agricultural land has decreased by 38% since 1990 due to morphological changes and human activities. Cultural Erosion: The island’s intangible losses, such as declining health, emotional distress, and a weakened sense of identity, have further alienated its inhabitants from their heritage. Bangladesh’s Role at COP29 As Bangladesh continues to champion the interests of climate-vulnerable nations, the plight of Manpura Island serves as a sobering reminder of what is at stake. The research by Bhowmik and his colleagues is a clarion call for urgent action, highlighting the need for solutions rooted in local realities. Read more: COP29: Chief Adviser Yunus on his way to Azerbaijan to discuss how to avoid increasing threats from climate change The study’s findings underscore the necessity of protecting both the tangible and intangible aspects of ecosystem services. As the world faces an intensifying climate crisis, it is imperative for governments and international bodies to prioritise the needs of communities on the frontlines. Manpura’s story is not just a warning but a call to action for a sustainable, equitable future—for Bangladesh and beyond, according to the researchers.

Following the announcement of a change of leadership at the helm of the World Bank Group, the Chair of the Vulnerable Twenty Group of Ministers of Finance (V20) asserts that global development needs an international financial system that is fit-for-purpose given the prevailing climate crisis; and urges that the next head of the World Bank puts climate amongst its top priorities.  Reacting to the resignation of the World Bank President, David Malpass, Ken Ofori-Atta, Minister for Finance of Ghana and V20 Chair, highlighted that “major reforms to the world’s international financial architecture are urgently needed to prevent the escalating climate crisis from overwhelming the global economy.”  He specifically called for change in the areas of debt; the shifting of financial flows to serve climate goals; and the need to mainstream climate risks in institutional surveillance.  Also Read: GEF climate adaptation funds to support V20 Group efforts to minimize climate impacts He demurred at the continual inequities in keeping to the 1.5C safety limit of the Paris Agreement. The G7, with 25% of current emissions and the G20 members collectively, have taken the world on track for more than 3ºC of warming with its members’ NDCs having already fully exhausted its 1.5 ºC carbon budget on a fair shares basis, while the V20 remain fully compliant on a fair shares basis.  A new World Bank leadership must be committed to positive climate action (i.e. achieving a fair and joint transition for vulnerable countries) as a top priority.   “We can only be committed to climate forward leaders. The continued failure of the international financial system to uphold the Paris Agreement has kept our economies and communities on the front lines of the climate crisis. The next World Bank President’s first test of leadership will be her or his ability to act on debt, jobs and climate change, without pitting them against each other,” said Ken Ofori-Atta, Chair of the V20 and the Minister for Finance, Republic of Ghana. Also Read: V20, G7 reach agreement on financial protection against climate change loss “The V20 is determined to actively support and work with institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank by contributing our policy experience and insights in serving the 1.5 billion people across our 58 member economies. We are committed to helping the new World Bank leadership to facilitate a comprehensive debt reform, jobs, digitalization, ensure climate smart financial flows, and to accelerate efforts to drive down the increasingly daunting cost-of-capital. The new Bank president can also count on the V20 to boldly advocate this agenda. We look to the new leadership to bring innovative approaches to unlock the needed transformation in the global financial system, as we all work towards building a climate resilient global economy.” V20 ministers will meet during the WB and IMF spring meetings in April 2023. Currently chaired by Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta of the Republic of Ghana, V20 Group of Finance Ministers is a dedicated cooperation initiative of economies systematically vulnerable to climate change.    

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has urged global brands and buyers to adopt strategies that promote the growth of both sides, including manufacturers while marching towards achieving the net zero goal. "I would like to call upon the brands to adopt inclusive strategies that also take the SMEs into the equation to ensure sustainable growth of the entire RMG industry in Bangladesh," BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said. He was speaking at the policy dialogue "Sweden-Bangladesh Partnership in Renewable Energy within the RMG-sector" at a Dhaka hotel Wednesday (December 07, 2022). Read More: Bangladesh now has 180 green garment factories Faruque said: "For a country like Bangladesh, the challenges of climate change are double-fold. As a climate-vulnerable country, we have to invest in climate adaptation. At the same time, we have to keep ourselves competitive. We have to invest in climate mitigation to reduce carbon emission and transition to renewable sources." "SMEs represent the majority of the BGMEA member factories. Given the ambitious goals made by brands towards sustainability, it is difficult for them to invest in climate action. With that in mind, it is imperative to adopt business modules that not only help big factories in Bangladesh but also the entire industry so that no one gets left behind." The Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh together with the Swedish brands H&M, IKEA, and Lindex along with the Nordic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) and the Sweden-Bangladesh Business Council have set up an initiative "Sustainable Fashion Platform" to combine and coordinate the efforts on sustainability within the RMG sector in Bangladesh under one umbrella. Read more: BGMEA, Recover discuss collaboration to turn Bangladesh into global recycling hub The discussion was organised as a part of the initiative which aims to strengthen Bangladesh's global competitiveness and at the same time build a sustainable partnership. Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, adviser to the prime minister for power, energy and mineral resources affairs, attended the event as chief guest. Charles Whiteley, ambassador and head of delegation, Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh; Mehdi Hasan, ambassador of Bangladesh to Sweden; Alexandra Berg von Linde, ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh; Pawan Kumar Tehlani, lead – sustainability and climate change, Business Sweden, Swedish Trade and Invest Council; Tahrin Aman, president of NCCI; and Stefan Liller, UNDP resident representative, Munira Sultana, chairperson, Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA); and Md Habibur Rahman, secretary, Power Division, Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, also spoke at the dialogue. BGMEA directors Asif Ashraf and Barrister Vidiya Amrit Khan were also present. Read more: BGMEA delegation meets US State Department official to discuss RMG issues

UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis on Tuesday (November 08, 2022) said loss and damages, and adaptation need to be on the table at COP27 and urgent steps need to be taken to provide financial and technological support to most impacted countries like Bangladesh. “Climate action is obviously on top of the agenda,” she said, touching on some of the areas of UN’s focus to support Bangladesh. Speaking at “DCAB Talk”, held at Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka, Lewis said climate change is also impacting Bangladesh’s economy. DCAB President Rezaul Karim Lotus and General Secretary AKM Moinuddin also spoke at the event. Read more: Political violence 'absolutely a concern', says UN Resident Coordinator The UNRC said COP27 comes at a time when South Asia is “impacted in unprecedented ways” by climate change, whether it is the floods in Sylhet and Sunamganj, Bangladesh or in Pakistan and repeated cyclones in India and Bangladesh in recent years. “Unfortunately, climate talks have been bogged down with politics and economic pressures, so we need to see more citizen action and listen to the voices of people living in Bangladesh, particularly young people and women who are often excluded,” she said. One of the recommendations following the recent visit of the Special Rapporteur on Climate Change and Human Rights to Bangladesh was to focus on inclusion and making sure the voices of the most marginalised were included in decision-making, said the UN official. “UN plans to further work on supporting the government to implement the national adaptation plan and the other policy frameworks such as the Delta Plan and the Mujib Climate Prosperity action plan,” she said, adding that the UN with their NGO and Red Crescent partners are also supporting disaster risk management and humanitarian efforts led by the ministry. Read more: 'Highway to climate hell with foot on accelerator': UN Chief warns at COP27 Lewis said there are also ongoing programmes to support migrants and displaced people who are forced to leave their homes due to the impact of climate change. By one estimate, up to 50% of those now living in Bangladesh’s urban slums may be there because they were forced to flee their rural homes as a result of riverbank erosion or flooding, she said. The data shows that from 2000 to 2019, Bangladesh suffered economic losses worth over $3.72 billion due to extreme weather events linked to climate change, said the UN official. This leads to another area of work that the UN is supporting in Bangladesh – economic growth and LDC graduation, she said. Read more: Honour COP26 commitments, double provisions for adaptation by 2025: PM Hasina writes “The growth of Bangladesh’s economy over the past 20 years has been extraordinary, as has been the reduction in poverty,” Lewis said. Before coronavirus hit the country, Bangladesh had been advancing fairly well to qualify for graduation. “Although the pandemic has been disruptive, the economy remained on a positive track. However, the current food and fuel crisis generated by the war is also creating pressures and uncertainty, including for the markets for Bangladeshi goods overseas,” Lewis said. In this global climate, she said, although there are benefits to LDC graduation, there are also risks. Read More: COP27: Bangladesh to reiterate call to materialize $100bn pledged for developing countries The UN official said graduation will enhance the confidence of the country in dealing with the international financial bodies, improve Bangladesh’s credit rating and attract higher foreign direct investment flow. However, she said, graduation will also affect certain preferential treatments in trade, subsidies to agriculture and access to some LDC-specific funds. “The risks need to be mitigated and this is where I hope that the UN’s technical support can be useful,” Lewis said, adding that further diversification and greater efforts are needed to attract foreign direct investment and meet the requirements for trade agreements when Bangladesh reaches middle income status. She said the UN is working to support the government in the development of a smooth transition strategy. Training of young people in IT and new technologies to make them better equipped for the future is one area where effort could be expanded. Read More: COP27: UN experts for complete integration of human rights standards, principles into negotiations Another is the creation of new industries and continuing to make Digital Bangladesh a reality, said the UN official. “I would also like to emphasize however, as important as LDC graduation is, middle income status is only a stepping stone,” Lewis said, adding that ultimately the objective is to achieve sustainable development goals and leave no one behind. The UN official said achieving the SDGs goes beyond economic growth and focuses on improving health, education, social protection and good governance. Bangladesh’s social indicators, such as gender equity, women’s empowerment, mortality rate, life expectancy, immunisation and access to water and sanitation have improved dramatically over the past 50 years, she said. Read What can COP27 do for climate vulnerable countries? Investments in social services, however, need to continue to grow with the growing population, and with the growing expectations of people who are living in a middle-income country, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis said.

To help sustain and create jobs, improve services for people and protect small and medium sized enterprises, IFC committed about $2 billion in the South Asian region in the past fiscal year, ending June 2022, with a key focus on helping countries recover from the impacts of COVID-19. The release of the figures comes as Ruth Horowitz assumes the role of IFC’s Regional Vice President for Asia and the Pacific – covering both South and East Asia as well as the Pacific – taking over from Alfonso Garcia Mora, who is now IFC’s Regional Vice President for Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.  “I am very excited to join the region and to work closely with its fantastic staff, clients and stakeholders, and look forward to building on the region’s strong history of impactful private sector engagements”, said Ruth Horowitz, IFC’s Vice President for Asia and the Pacific, on Monday. Horowitz is a global investment professional with over 30 years of experience. Most recently, she served as the Vice President of IFC’s Equity Mobilization Division – IFC Asset Management Company (AMC), which has raised over $10 billion from investors across 13 funds. Prior to joining IFC as the Chief Operating Officer and Director of AMC, Horowitz worked for Lehman Brothers. With the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to linger, IFC again stepped up with crucial financial support aimed at helping the region rebuild. Read: IFC blames flood disaster on unplanned development Bangladesh and India’s Meghalaya, Assam IFC delivered $237 million in FY22 in long-term finance in COVID-response deals on top of its short-term finance to help local exporters and importers, including contributing to increased food and commodities trade. Overall, from FY20 to FY22, IFC has committed over $1 billion as part of its COVID-19 response in the region.    “With about $2 billion committed in the South Asia region in the past year, IFC’s work has enabled the private sector to deliver solutions to help people and businesses weather multiple challenges,” said IFC’s Regional Director for South Asia, Hector Gomez Ang. “The innovation and expertise of the private sector is needed now more than ever as countries build the pathways to a resilient, sustainable future.” As with other regions, South Asia remains vulnerable to the impacts of a warming planet, conflict and geopolitical tensions, and rising global inflation.  As Vice President for Asia and the Pacific, Horowitz signaled that helping countries achieve their climate goals, while meeting needs for renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure will be among key priorities going forward. "Already soaring food, energy, and fertilizer prices, exacerbated by both the war in Ukraine and erratic weather events are threatening to reverse decades of development gains, making the task ahead even more urgent," said Horowitz.   “However, the right mix of private sector innovation, public sector policy, and availability of financing can not only boost South Asia’s resilience to future shocks but also help transform the region for the better.” “The threat the region faces in terms of the climate crisis is profound but there are also immense opportunities, underscored by the trillions of dollars in capital that’s waiting to be deployed in green investments. IFC is uniquely placed to work with the private sector to identify solutions that not only help decarbonize economies but also meet the pressing development challenges facing this region. I look forward to strengthening and developing new partnerships in taking on this exciting role across the Asia Pacific region.” END/UNB/MK/FH/1039 Hrs

Acting British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Javed Patel has said it is extremely important that young people are empowered to be key stakeholders in driving local, national, regional, and global change. “Climate action is a priority for the UK and I am glad that we supported this year’s National Earth Olympiad, helping to establish the next generation of climate stewards in Bangladesh,” he said congratulating the students on their success. Also read: $ 80 billion planned for investment by 2030 to achieve climate resilience The acting high commissioner hosted a reception on Saturday to recognise the finalists of the Bangladesh National Earth Olympiad 2022. Of the 35 participants selected for special awards, five will be going on to represent Bangladesh at the International Earth Science Olympiad which takes place from 24-30 August. “I am inspired by the young people here today, and confident that their drive and commitment to combatting the climate crisis will help them to do just that,” Patel said.

Three Nordic countries – Denmark, Norway and Sweden – are now celebrating "NordicWeek" while marking the 50 years of their relations with Bangladesh. On the occasion of 50 years of Nordic-Bangladesh relationship, three Nordic ambassadors in Dhaka – Espen Rikter-Svendsen, Winnie Estrup Petersen and Alex Berg von Linde sent greetings to all. "We, the Nordics, bring our long-standing experience in balancing social progress, economic growth, and sustainability. We bring our values, knowledge and resources; and be it for green economic transition or the blue economy, we are here with you," says Norwegian Ambassador Espen Rikter-Svendsen. Also Read: Nordic countries’ assistance to Bangladesh to continue: envoys "On climate action, multilateralism, democracy and human rights, gender equality and inclusive growth – let us continue to join forces. Here's to fifty years and beyond!"  

Policy makers, industry leaders, brands’ representatives and fashion campaigners from home and abroad gathered in Dhaka on Tuesday to accelerate the momentum of sustainability in Bangladesh apparel industry. More than 50 speakers as well as 20 green growth exhibitors from over 20 countries participated in the 3rd edition of Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) organized by Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE) partnering with Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGMEA).               Current important apparel sustainability issues such as climate action, environmental social and governance (ESG) and green finance, purchasing practices, due diligence and legislation, and circular economy were discussed at the five plenary sessions along with opening and closing plenaries of the SAF. Also read:BGMEA claiming 100 percent salaries, bonuses paid to RMG workforce Speakers of the SAF include Tipu Munshi, MP, Commerce Minister; Md. Atiqul Islam, Mayor, Dhaka North City Corporation and former president, BGMEA; Charles Whiteley, Ambassador & Head of delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh;  Anne Van Leeuwen, ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Bangladesh; Riaz Hamidullah, ambassador of Bangladesh to the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Faruque Hassan, president of BGMEA, Mohammad Hatem;  executive president, BKMEA; Anna Athanasopoulou, head of unit for social economy & creative industries, European Commission;  Barbara Bijelic, financial sector and regulatory engagement lead centre for responsible business conduct, OECD;  Ian Cronin,  community curator, platform shaping the future of advanced manufacturing & value chains, World Economic Forum; Lindita Xhaferi-Salihu, sectors engagement lead, UNFCCC; Pascal Brun, head of sustainability, H&M;  Javier Santonja Olcina,  regional head, Bangladesh & Pakistan, Inditex; Dr Mark Anner, founding director, Center for Global Workers’ Rights and also professor, Penn State University, USA; Ayesha Barenblat, founder and CEO, Remake;  Najet Draper, vice president research, Better Buying; Gemma Verhoeven,  team lead impact investments, Good Fashion Fund;  Annabel Meurs, head of supply chain transformation, Fair Wear Foundation; and Tuomo Poutiainen,  country director, Bangladesh, ILO. Senior representatives from globally renowned recycling and renewable energy companies also joined as well as exhibited their sustainability and green technologies, products and solutions at the SAF. The SAF also showcased opportunities for much-needed green financing in the industry. Founder and CEO of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE) Mostafiz Uddin said: “At this year’s SAF we have brought all the fashion stakeholders under one roof to accelerate the momentum of sustainability in Bangladesh apparel industry, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic which has had immense impact on global apparel supply chain. This is high-level networking where it has been discussed how we can turn the needle so that the lofty sustainability goals of the industry so often talked about are translated into meaningful, practical actions, he said. Atiqul Islam said the RMG industry of Bangladesh has been vigilant in ensuring the safety regulations, especially after the disastrous event of Rana Plaza. He sought a collaborative approach to ensure a more ethical and sustainable industry. Ambassador Anne Van Leeuwen said, “There has been significant improvements in the apparel industry of Bangladesh as per as safety and sustainability is concerned. However, there is still work to be done to promote sustainability in the sector for which stakeholders’ engagement and collaboration is the key.” Also read: Bangladesh to retain fame as safe, sustainable apparel sourcing destination: BGMEA BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said Bangladesh has the highest number of green garment factories in the world. “We believe that sustainability is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. We are committed to maintaining the excellence in social and environmental areas which we have already achieved, and we also focus on up-scaling our business capabilities.” Stephanie Theirs-Ratcliffe, Director of European Brands and Retailers, Cotton Council International said sustainability is no longer an option; it is a must for the fashion industry now. “Cotton Council International is working to ensure the supply of sustainable cotton to the industry.” BGMEA Director and managing director of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange Md. Mohiuddin Rubel said the global business landscape has been transformed to a new realism in recent years and sustainability has become the core area of concern. “The Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) envisages becoming a global forum on sustainability established in Bangladesh to promote the sustainability agenda within the textile and apparel supply chain.”

Gender equality is a prerequisite for a sustainable tomorrow, Dr Saleemul Huq has said. "Women's rights will be ensured only when gender equality is established. It has been observed that women and girls are disproportionately impacted by the adversities of climate change," said Dr Saleemul, director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD). He made remarks at the webinar "Women Breaking Biases for Climate Justice," aligned with International Women's Day 2022  theme "Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow," organised by ActionAid Bangladesh Sunday ahead of March 8. Read:UN: Climate change to uproot millions, especially in Asia Dr Saleemul also mentioned that women's voices, responsibilities, and knowledge of the environment and the challenges they face need to be the central part of the adaptive response to a rapidly changing climate. "Although significant progress has been made by women across the globe since countries came into an agreement about the importance of women's participation in climate action at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference, everyone – including young people, scientists, researchers, owners of multinational companies– must play an important role in solving this problem." Dr Mahbuba Nasreen, professor and founding director of the Institute of Disaster Management and Vulnerability Studies, University of Dhaka, said when climate-induced disasters hit any community, it is the women and girls who are hit hardest. "Research shows violence against women increases after a natural disaster because of increased traumatic stress, scarcity of basic supplies, and destruction of authoritative systems." Runa Khan, founder and executive director of non-governmental organisation Friendship said: "Most of the char dwellers are climate migrants. Erosion of chars is putting millions of people at health risk. Nevertheless, women are making remarkable differences in their communities. They are participating in decision-making and mobilising themselves to take initiatives to address the ongoing climate crisis." Read: Dickson impressed by joint efforts to construct climate-resilient infrastructure in Bangladesh Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh, said because of climate change, women in Bangladesh face greater challenges compared to men due to increased sexual harassment during any crisis. "Increased water-related stresses all over Bangladesh are leading to increased school dropouts of girls and child marriage; tripled burden because of displacement and migration associated with climate change impacts." Despite these challenges, she said, women in Bangladesh have demonstrated enormous capacity to respond to emergencies efficiently through increased women empowerment and decision-making ability of women.