Formation of climate change cells at ministries underway

Adviser CS Karim Speaks at a workshop at the National Press Club in the city yesterday. On his right are Raja Devasish Roy and UNDP Climate Change Adviser Maria Netto and on his left is AHM Rezaul Kabir. Photo: STAR

Agriculture and Water Resources Adviser CS Karim at a workshop yesterday said the cells for climate change impacts are being formed at different ministries to bring this major issue into the mainstream.
He underlined the importance of new technologies to face the climate change impacts, saying: “I think no countries could avoid them from the suffering of climate change. We have to be very careful while addressing our problems.”
The adviser said this at the two-day workshop on 'Climate change policy making and negotiation' organised by environment and forest ministry at the National Press Club in the city.
Speaking as the chief guest, CS Karim said solar energy can be used in household areas, but power energy will have to be centrally developed for industries.
Three ministries -- environment and forest, agriculture and water resources -- have already formed the cells for climate change impacts, while the three other ministries -- food and disaster management, local government and health -- will form the cells very soon.
Special Assistant to Chief Adviser Raja Devasish Roy said the government has formed a multi-donor trust fund to mobilise £75 million from the world community to support the country's efforts to mitigate and adapt to the climate change impacts.
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Country Director Dr Ainun Nishat said climate change will increase temperature, decrease availability of fresh water, contribute to the rise in sea level, glacial melting in the Himalayas, increased frequency and intensity of extreme events, and shifting of cropping zones in South Asia affecting agriculture and food sector, economy, societies as well as environment.
Environment and Forest Secretary AHM Rezaul Kabir said, “We need external assistance. We are trying to mobilise funds from our own resources.”
He expressed hope that international community will extend wholehearted support in the implementation of Bangladesh Climate Change Action Plan.
Financial assistance, technological cooperation and technology transfer will assist people to adapt to the new environment responsible for climate change, said Dr Asaduzzaman of BIDS.
Dr Atiq Rahman, Quamrul Islam Chowdhury, Mortuza Ahmed, Mustain Billah and Shireen Kamal Sayeed also took part in the programme.